Evidence is Not Proof
Science: Year 5 & 6 National Curriculum, topic 11.1.4
Evidence is Not Proof
Evidence of something is not proof that something is true.
Proof
- Scientists avoid using the word ‘proof’ for their work.
- ‘Proof’ is used to say something is definitely true without a doubt.
- Scientists can be convinced of something when there is a great deal of evidence.
Examples
- We have overwhelming evidence that the Earth is a spheroid.
- A spheroid is a slightly ‘squashed’ sphere.
- We do not have much evidence that there is a monster hiding in Loch Ness.
Test yourself on Evidence is Not Proof
There is overwhelming evidence that the Earth is what shape?
Scientists can be convinced of something when there is a great deal of what?
What is correct about evidence?