Scientific Inquiry and Method

How do scientists solve mysteries and uncover answers about the world? They use a step-by-step process called the scientific method—a tool anyone can use!

It begins with observation. For example, Alex wonders why his toy car rolls faster on the ramp but slower on the floor.

This observation leads to questions like: “Does the steepness of a ramp affect how fast the toy car rolls?”

Next comes the hypothesis, a testable prediction. Alex hypothesizes, “If the ramp is steeper, the toy car will roll faster.”

To test his hypothesis, Alex sets up an experiment. He uses two ramps—one with a steep slope and the other with a gentle slope. He places similar toy cars at the top of each ramp and lets go of them at the same time.

As expected, the car on the steeper ramp rolls much faster. He notes down the results and concludes that his hypothesis is correct: the steeper the ramp, the faster it moves.

Finally, he shares his results with others who can study and use them with new ideas, discovering innovative things.