What is a Scientific Theory?
For many, a theory is a hunch, idea or hypothesis at best. However, a scientific theory is much different. As scientists, we collect facts, use laws to describe these facts and develop a theory to explain them. A scientific theory is the apex of our understanding as scientists. There are many scientific laws and theories, but these two are my favourites.
Kepler's Laws of Planetary Motion
Using Tyco Brahe's astronomical database and his own observations, Johannes Kepler
was able to describe the motion of planets around our Sun. Much to his dismay, these orbits were elliptical, not circular as he first predicted.
Darwin's Theory of Evolution
With this theory, scientists can, for example, explain the origin of humans and our ancestors based on facts, such as fossil remains, primitive tools and DNA evidence.
