The Scientific Method
To conduct quality, repeatable science, we follow the steps of the scientific method. The scientific method is a list of steps that helps a scientist move from just having an idea/asking a question all the way to publishing the results of an experiment. Following these steps helps one to conduct science in an orderly, repeatable fashion.
Steps to the Scientific Method:
- Ask a Question - Develop a question or problem that can be solved through experimentation. This is the best time to make some general observations and research your topic of interest.
- Form a Hypothesis - Create an if>then statement that predicts a possible answer to the question or problem. Example: If soil temperatures rise, then plant growth will increase.
- Make a Procedure - Write a detailed set of steps that you will take to test your hypothesis. Develop and follow a procedure to test your hypothesis. Include a detailed materials list. The outcome of your experiment must be measurable (quantifiable).
- Perform an Experiment - Follow your procedure exactly to conduct your experiment. Make observations and record data.
- Analyze Your Data - Organize and evaluate your data. You should try to understand the results of your experiment before moving forward.
- Write a Conclusion - Conclude whether or not your hypothesis was proven correct, not proven correct, or neither proven or disproven. Explain why you think this is the case. Use data to support your conclusions.
- Write a Summary - Create an easy-to-read summary, including your data, that explains your experiment from start to finish.
- Share Your Results - Publish and share your summary with others so that they may conduct the same experiment. If other people follow your procedure and get the same result that you did, you contributed successfully to our growing understanding of the universe!