Interactive Lesson: The Scientific Method

Step 1: Observation

Science begins with observing the world around you. You notice something interesting and want to know more.

Observe the strange, glowing plant from Planet X-7 in the bio-lab containment field below.

You notice that some of the plants seem to glow brighter than others.

Your observation leads to a question that you want to answer. A good scientific question is specific and testable.

Based on your observation, which of these is the best scientific question?

Why are plants green? Does the amount of hydro-solution affect the plant's glow intensity? Are alien plants cooler than Earth plants?

A hypothesis is a proposed explanation for your observation—a testable prediction. It's often written as an "If..., then..." statement.

Complete the hypothesis below:

If we the amount of hydro-solution, then the plant's glow will .

Now, you must test your hypothesis! An experiment is a controlled procedure designed to support or refute your prediction.

Your hypothesis was:

Let's run a simulation. We have three test groups for 24 hours.

50ml Hydro-Solution

Result: Normal Glow

25ml Hydro-Solution

Result: Dim Glow

100ml Hydro-Solution

Result: Bright Glow

Look at the results of your experiment. What does the information tell you?

Based on this data, what can you conclude?

The solution has no effect. More solution leads to a brighter glow. Less solution leads to a brighter glow.

Finally, state whether your hypothesis was supported or rejected by your experiment. Science is a cycle—this conclusion often leads to new questions!

Your hypothesis was:

The data showed that more hydro-solution resulted in a brighter glow.

Therefore, your hypothesis was...

Congratulations! You have successfully completed one cycle of the scientific method.

1. Observation: Noticed plants had different brightness.

2. Question: Asked if solution affected the glow.

3. Hypothesis: Predicted the effect of the solution.

4. Experiment: Tested different amounts of solution.

5. Analysis: Determined more solution meant more glow.

6. Conclusion: Confirmed or denied your prediction.

Science doesn't stop here. Your next question might be, "Is there a point where TOO MUCH solution is bad?" The cycle continues!