A valid scientific theory must summarize a hypothesis, be supported with a body of evidence taken from further testing and be submitted for peer review. In science, a theory is used to describe how something works, not why a scientist thinks something may work. For example, gravitational theory describes how the fact of gravity works, and evolutionary theory describes how the fact of evolution works.Know More
Many people make the mistake of equating a vague plan or idea with a scientific theory. A proper scientific theory is first known as a hypothesis. Only after a hypothesis has been properly tested with further experimentation and then evaluated by other scientists can it be called a scientific theory.
This misunderstanding of the term often leads some to claim that solid scientific principles, such as evolutionary biology, are incorrectly dismissed as "only a theory."Learn More
In proposing the theory of continental drift, Alfred Wegener relied on evidence from the shape of the continents, the distribution of plants and animals, similarities between landscapes, contiguous veins of ore that ran between continents, and the distribution of glacial deposits. Though the evidence for his hypothesis was strong, the theory lacked a mechanism and was not generally accepted during Wegener's lifetime.Full Answer >
"A White Heron" details the coming of age of its 9-year-old protagonist Sylvia, who begins as a naive and trusting country girl and ends as a mature and independent young adult. Forced to choose between saving the white heron's life or keeping her first human friend, Sylvia is strong and brave enough to preserve the beauty of the natural world.Full Answer >
To test a scientific theory, first choose the hypothesis of the theory, and gather as much data as possible, whether it supports the hypothesis or not. If all the data gathered supports the hypothesis, the theory is correct. If the data disproves the hypothesis, the hypothesis needs revising.Full Answer >
A scientific question is the second step of the scientific method, in which an experimenter asks a question that can be answered by forming a hypothesis and conducting an experiment. A scientific question should aim for an answer that verifies, explains or theorizes information.Full Answer >