The Scientific Method
Biology is an experimental science. Scientists follow a process with steps known as the scientific method. This method takes place so that experiments can be shared and repeated across the world. Learn more about the scientific method by viewing this interactivity. Click the player button to begin.
View a printable version of the interactivity.
Observations and Inferences
Making observations is key to becoming a good scientist. An observation is something that you see or notice. An observation is sometimes confused with an inference, which is something you think or believe to be true from what you see. To observe something, you must see it. For instance, you may observe that the grass is wet. From that observation you may infer that it had rained recently. Or you may infer that the grass was recently watered. You did not directly observe these events occur; however, based on your prior knowledge and your observation, you can logically make these inferences.
Hypothesis vs. Theory vs. Law
Often, there is confusion between a hypothesis, a scientific theory, and a scientific law. Use your cursor to roll over the images below and learn more about the differences between acids and bases.
Download a printable version of the interactivity.
A common misconception is that with enough proof a hypothesis will become a theory, and with even more proof, a theory can become a law. However, these concepts do not differ in their amount of proof; they differ in the breadth of their explanation. There is no hierarchal relationship between these concepts. Hypotheses do not become theories, and theories do not become laws.
Scientific Investigation Review
Now that you have explored scientific investigation, review your knowledge in this non-graded activity. Examine the scenario provided to you at the beginning of the activity. Read each statement and drag and drop the term which best matches the statement. Then, click SUBMIT to check your responses. Click the player button to get started.