🔬 Science Grades 3–12

The Scientific Method

Scientists answer questions with evidence, not guesses. The scientific method is a cycle for asking a question and testing it fairly.

Learn How it works

Ask a question you can test. “Does the height of a ramp change how far a car rolls?”
Research what's already known.
Hypothesize: If… then… because…
Experiment: change only one variable (independent), measure one (dependent), and keep everything else the same (controlled). Repeat trials, at least three.
Analyze data with tables, graphs, and averages.
Conclude: was the hypothesis supported? It's fine if it wasn't. That's still a result.
Communicate and repeat: share results so others can test them too.

A control group gets no change (for example, a plant with no fertilizer), so you have something to compare against.

Answer, then tap Check. You get an explanation either way.

Why repeat trials? To make the experiment longer To make results more reliable and spot mistakes Because the first trial never counts
Which is a testable question? Is blue the best color? Does water temperature affect how fast sugar dissolves? Why is science fun?
In a fair test, how many independent variables should you change at once?