Scientific Method The scientific method is a guide to problem solving. It involves asking questions, making observations, and trying to figure out things in an orderly way. Specific steps are used to solve the problems. They are :

1. Identify the problem The problem is stated as a question. This is what you are trying to find out in your experiment

2. Gather information Research; ask questions. Discover what is already known about this problem

3. State a hypothesis The hypothesis is an educated guess; a suggested solution as to why something happens

4. Test the hypothesis Write your procedures; design an experiment and examine the situation to check the hypothesis

5. Make careful observations Gather and record your data. Make careful measurements.

6. Organize and analyze the data Put the data in order. Use charts and tables to organize the data. Figure out the meaning of the data.

7. State a conclusion Explain the data. Answer your problem question. State whether or not it supports the hypothesis