What is the Scientific Method?

The scientific method is a process for performing scientific research. It is used by scientists to investigate and test their ideas about the world around them. The scientific method consists of six steps:

1. Make an observation
2. Ask a question
3. Form a hypothesis
4. Run an experiment
5. Analyze the results
6. Draw a

1. Make an Observation

The first step in the scientific method is to make an observation. This is simply using your senses to gather information about the world around you. For example, you might observe that plants grow towards the light. This observation leads to the question: "Why do plants grow towards the light?"

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2. Ask a Question

Once you have made an observation, you can ask a question about what you saw. This question should be specific and testable. In our example, we could ask: "Does the amount of light affect the growth of plants?"

3. Form a Hypothesis

A hypothesis is a possible explanation for your question. It should be based on your observations and should be testable. In our example, we could hypothesize that "the more light a plant receives, the more it will grow."

4. Run an Experiment

An experiment is a controlled test of your hypothesis. It involves changing one variable (the independent variable) and measuring the effect that it has on another variable (the dependent variable). In our example, we could conduct an experiment by growing plants in different amounts of light and measuring their growth.

5. Analyze the Results

Once you have run your experiment, you need to analyze the results. This involves looking at the data you collected and determining whether or not it supports your hypothesis.

6. Draw a

The final step in the scientific method is to draw a . This is a statement that summarizes your findings and explains whether or not your hypothesis was supported.

The Scientific Method in Action

Let's take a look at an example of how the scientific method can be used to investigate a real-world problem. In the early 1900s, scientists were trying to find a cure for a disease called pellagra. Pellagra is a disease that causes skin rashes, diarrhea, and dementia. Scientists observed that pellagra was common among people who ate a diet that was low in niacin. Based on this observation, they hypothesized that niacin deficiency was the cause of pellagra.

To test their hypothesis, scientists conducted an experiment. They gave niacin supplements to people who had pellagra. The results of the experiment showed that niacin supplements cured pellagra. This led scientists to conclude that niacin deficiency is the cause of pellagra.

The Scientific Method is a Powerful Tool

The scientific method is a powerful tool that can be used to investigate and test our ideas about the world around us. It is a process that is used by scientists every day to make new discoveries and improve our understanding of the world.

What is the Scientific Method? Science Book for Kids | Children's Science Books

by Baby Professor

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2938 KB
Print length	:	64 pages

FREE