Models can take the form of physical models, equations, computer programs, or simulations-computer graphics/animations. You will then need to think up a new hypothesis to test such as, "My car won’t start because the fuel pump is broken." Hopefully, your investigations lead you to discover why the car won’t start and enable you to fix it.Ī model is a representation of something that is often too difficult (or impossible) to study directly. If the car does not start, then your hypothesis is rejected. If the car starts, then your hypothesis is supported by the experiment. First, you generate a hypothesis such as, "The car won’t start because it has no gasoline in the gas tank." To test this hypothesis, you put gasoline in the car and try to start it again. You have just made an observation! You ask yourself, "Why won’t my car start?" You can now use scientific processes to answer this question. Let’s say that you try to turn on your car, but it will not start. Scientific processes can be applied to many situations. If their hypothesis is rejected, they will often then test a new and different hypothesis in their effort to learn more about whatever they are studying. If the hypothesis is supported, the scientist usually goes on to test another hypothesis related to the first. ![]() They may conclude that their experiment either supports or rejects their hypothesis. From the data analysis, they draw conclusions. Then the scientists analyze the results of the experiment (that is, the data), often using statistical, mathematical, and/or graphical methods. During an experiment, the scientist collects data that will help them learn about the phenomenon they are studying. ![]() Scientists may test the hypothesis by performing an experiment. In essence, a hypothesis is an educated guess that explains something about an observation. A hypothesis is a testable statement that describes how something in the natural world works. Next, the scientist may perform some research about the topic and devise a hypothesis. Observation may generate questions that the scientist wishes to answer. The scientist observes a pattern or trend within the natural world. This, in a nutshell, describes the scientific method that scientists employ to decide scientific issues on the basis of evidence from observation and experiment.Īn investigation often begins with a scientist making an observation. We then formulate models, theories, and laws based on the data we have collected, and communicate those results with others. We attempt greater precision, perform controlled experiments (if we can), and write down ideas about how data may be organized. As we become serious about exploring nature, we become more organized and formal in collecting and analyzing data. For example, we look up and wonder whether one type of cloud signals an oncoming storm. We look around, make generalizations, and try to understand what we see. Science must describe the universe as it is, not as we imagine or wish it to be. The cornerstone of discovering natural laws is observation. Their discovery is a very human endeavor, with all the elements of mystery, imagination, struggle, triumph, and disappointment inherent in any creative effort. ![]() We can only discover and understand them. Such laws are intrinsic to the universe, meaning that humans did not create them and cannot change them. ![]() Scientists often plan and carry out investigations to answer questions about the universe around us.
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