Final answer:
The option that is not a hallmark of science is 'A scientific theory is built on logic and common sense to explain observed phenomena', as scientific theories are evidence-based, rigorous and subject to continuous testing and revision, not solely built on common sense.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student asked which of the following is not a hallmark of science. The options provided included science seeking explanations for observable phenomena using natural causes, scientific models making testable predictions, scientific theories built on logic and common sense, and science making progress by testing models that explain observations as simply as possible. C) A scientific theory is built on logic and common sense to explain observed phenomena is the option that is not a hallmark of science. Scientific theories are systematic, evidence-based explanations that go beyond logic and common sense. They emerge from rigorous testing against experimental data and observations, and are subject to ongoing scrutiny and revision as new evidence becomes available.
Scientific theories are much more than just common sense; they are well-substantiated explanations for the phenomena of the natural world that withstand repeated testing. Unlike a hypothesis, which is a tentative explanation, a scientific theory is more comprehensive and must be based on a body of evidence that has been repeatedly confirmed through observation and experimentation. Moreover, science is distinctly empirical, relying on objective observations and experimentally obtained data, rather than just logic and common sense.