Scientific information is communicated through lab reports, pro- fessional papers, tables and graphs, and models.

• A scientific theory is an explanation based on many observations during repeated experiments. A scientific theory is valid only if it is consistent with observations, makes predictions that can be tested, and is the simplest explanation of observations. A theory can be changed or modified if it is found to be incorrect.

• A scientific law is a basic fact that describes the behavior of a natural phenomenon. A scientific law can be thought of as a “rule of nature,” even though the cause of the law may not be known.

Communicating in Science 1.3