The Scientific Method

All sciences are based on the collection of evidence to strengthen scientific theory. Scientific theories are widely tested and have a great deal of evidence to support them.  Scientific theories are usually so well-tested that they rarely change; however, they are strengthened and refined as new discoveries are made. Scientists search for connections or relationships in the natural and physical world, and they work to explain them based on their observations and experimental data. Communication is key in the worldwide scientific community. Individual scientists rely on others to confirm or refute their findings by repeating their scientific investigations. This peer review ensures that findings are free from any sort of bias. Throughout this course, you will conduct your own scientific investigations and compare your results to those of the scientific community at large and in your classroom.

Did you know that you are already a scientist? You may not earn a paycheck for it, but any time you investigate to find the answer to a question through testing, you are really acting as a scientist. By asking a question, performing a test, and finding the answer for problems in your everyday life, you are using a form of the scientific method. Learn more about these steps by clicking on each of the numbers in the interactivity below.

The scientific method is a series of ordered steps used to find the answer to a scientific problem. Professional scientists use a more detailed version of the scientific method, but the basic idea is the same. The scientific method is a process with steps. This method takes place so that experiments can be shared and repeated across the world. In this interactivity, learn more about these steps by clicking on the numbered steps.

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Implementing the Scientific Method

Now it is time to learn the proper way to set up an experiment. Click on each of the bars in the interactivity below to view an example of a real scientific experiment. Make sure to take notice of the design, procedure, and data collection.

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The Scientific Method Review

Now that you have explored the scientific method, check your knowledge in this non-graded activity. Drag each description on the right and drop it next to the correct term on the left. Once you have made all your matches, click SUBMIT. Click on the interactivity thumbnail, and then click NEXT to begin.