Climate affects the way that we live in a host of ways, and now our changing climate presents a significant challenge to our society.

Climate has changed in the past — sometimes slowly, sometimes abruptly — but now it is changing because humans have

Although scientists are in broad agreement about the occurrence, causes, and consequences of climate change, the topic is socially controversial.

There is virtually unanimous scientific agreement about climate change. Yet due to both the inherent complexity of the topic and the social controversies surrounding it, confusion and doubt often persist.

One source of confusion about the status of the science or theory of evolution stems from the difference between the "everyday" meaning of the word "theory" and the scientific meaning the word.

Below we list some common misconceptions about the term "theory" and describe a classroom activity that can help students rethink their understanding of this term.

Misconception 1 "Evolution is 'just a theory'".

Misconception 2 "Theories become facts when they are well supported and/or proven."