The SCIENTIFIC METHOD is a set of steps that scientists use to solve a problem.

1. Observe a problem – Ask a question.

2. Gather information about the question. Find out what is already known by doing research -- research is looking for information.

3. Make a hypothesis – A hypothesis is an educated guess.

4. Design an experiment to test the hypothesis. An experiment needs to have the following: A control – (the test without changing anything – one compares the variable to this). A variable – (the test after making some changes)

5. Record the data – write down every observation.

6. Analyze the results then record the results – a summary of what happened in the experiment.

7. Make a conclusion – give a reason for why the experiment turned out the way it did.

8. Tell others what was learned. Scientists communicate their conclusions to each other. This allows scientists to build on each other’s findings.