Hypothesis, Theory, and Law

Hypothesis, Theory, and Law Worksheet (Grade 6 Science, TEKS 6.1H)

Help grade 6 students tell apart three big ideas in science: hypothesis, theory, and law. Clear definitions and real examples, such as cell theory and the law of gravity, clear up the common mix-up that a theory is just a guess.

What's Inside

• A short reading that defines hypothesis, theory, and law with one example each
• A clear note that a theory is not a guess and does not turn into a law
• Activity 1: Students sort six statements into hypothesis, theory, or law
• Activity 2: Students underline the IF part and circle the THEN part of three hypotheses
• A visual answer key with answers marked in red

How Teachers Use It

Use it before students write their own hypotheses, as part of a nature of science lesson, or as review. Every term is taught on the page, so no prior knowledge is needed. The sheet takes about 10 minutes, works for independent work, partners, or homework, and prints clearly in black and white.

This worksheet is part of the Reading in Science series for grade 6. It supports TEKS 6.1H: distinguish between scientific hypotheses, theories, and laws. Pair it with the other sheets in the series to build a full unit on scientific and engineering practices, one skill at a time.

Why It Works

Each sheet teaches one or two new terms in plain words first, then asks students to use only what the page taught. Activities stay at the sort, circle, and match level, so students build confidence while the answer key gives teachers the reasoning they need.