The Scientific Method
The Scientific Method is a way of finding and testing new information, or investigating old
information, which is based on compiling empirical and measurable evidence.
Observation – We make observations about the world around us.
“The sun sets below the horizon.” “If you walk a far distance, the horizon moves further
away from you at the same rate”
Question – We ask questions about the world around us.
“What shape is the world?”
Hypothesis – A hypothesis is a proposed explanation for our question.
“The world is round.”
A hypothesis must be testable (not caused by something unseen/immeasurable, i.e.
ghosts). A hypothesis must also be falsifiable(able to be proven wrong).
Alternate hypothesis – The best alternate hypothesis is your original hypothesis plus
“not”
“The world is not round.”
Prediction – After a hypothesis is made, you make a prediction.
“If you travel far enough west, you will eventually be able to return to your starting
place.”
Test/Experiment – After you make a prediction you can design an experiment to test your
hypothesis and see if it matches up with your prediction.
A test for this hypothesis/prediction could be actually traveling west to see if you reach
your destination.
See if your experimental conclusions support or reject your hypothesis. If it rejects your
hypothesis, then you can make a new one and test it again.
The Academic Support Center @ Daytona State College (Science 15 Page 1 of 1)