Introduction

Before you start to learn the historical development of the cell theory, you have to understand what a scientific theory is.

A scientific theory is a comprehensive explanation or group of ideas about how nature works.
In order for it to qualify as a scientific theory, it must be testable and have observable effects.

As technology advances a scientific theory is valid only until a better scientific theory comes along. The cell theory is no different. Over the course of history, humans have questioned where we came from and what we are made of. Only in the last century have scientists started to find detailed answers.

As you watch the following video, think about the difference between a "scientific" theory and the way people use the word "theory" in everyday life.

Biology

Biology deals with the study of the many varieties of living organisms both big and small.

The scientific method or the scientific process is often divided into steps. This is helpful for putting the method into context; however, keep in mind that the key elements of the scientific method are testing the hypothesis. In other words, you prove how good your theory is by trying to prove it wrong. More importantly, could other people (scientists) conduct experiments to try to prove you wrong.

The general steps to the scientific method are:

Observe the situation.
Ask a question.
Turn that question into a testable hypothesis.
Predict the outcome of the experiment.
Perform the experiment.
Analyze the results.
Evaluate the hypothesis and predict a theory.

Mistakes can happen in predicting a scientific theory; however, remember it is a process with many refinements over time by many people.
A good theory can never be proven right but will resist all efforts to prove it wrong.

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Forming a Testable Question

The very basis of science is based on making an observation and asking the question, Why? However, some questions cannot be answered through an experiment. For example, why do most teachers grade assignments using a red pen? Scientific exploration requires a testable question that can be answered by designing and conducting an experiment.

For example: What factor has a greater impact on plant growth? Watering regularly or being exposed to sunshine?

A non-testable question cannot be answered by conducting an experiment; rather information can be researched and collected to support a response.

For example: What is the flu?

ePortfolio Submission

As you watch the following video think about how scientists Jamie Hyneman and Adam Savage use the Scientific Method as they investigate the validity of Neil Armstrong’s Apollo 11 moon landing. Submit your thoughts to your ePortfolio.

Respond to the following question and save your word document as a pdf and submit it in your ePortfolio.

What was the MythBusters' testable question?