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SCIENTIFIC METHOD
The scientific method is a step-by-step process used to ask and answer scientific questions. Although the
scientific method can be traced back to the Greeks and even to ancient artisans, Galileo is known as the
father of "The Scientific Method.”
STEP 1: Ask a Question – The scientific method starts by asking a question. It’s important to pick a
topic you find interesting and to develop a question that can be measured.
STEP 2: Form a Hypothesis – A hypothesis is an educated guess. Your hypothesis should be
measurable and say something like, "Raising the temperature of a cup of water will increase the amount of
sugar that dissolves."
STEP 3: Design and Perform an Experiment – Design and perform an experiment that will prove your
hypothesis true or false.
STEP 5: Analyze the Results – Once your experiment is complete gather and analyze all data to
determine if your hypothesis is true or false. If your hypothesis is false go back to STEP 2 and create a
new hypothesis.
STEP 6: Communicate the Results - Communicate your results via a report and a science fair board.
From creativity to how memorable a presentation or display might be judges, will use a variety of criteria to
judge your child’s science fair project. Judges might ask these questions…
Planning is key! An award-winning science fair project is not created overnight. Realize ahead of time
that it takes patience and time when doing these projects.
The scientific method is a step-by-step process used to ask and answer scientific questions. Although the
scientific method can be traced back to the Greeks and even to ancient artisans, Galileo is known as the
father of "The Scientific Method.”
STEP 1: Ask a Question – The scientific method starts by asking a question. It’s important to pick a
topic you find interesting and to develop a question that can be measured.
STEP 2: Form a Hypothesis – A hypothesis is an educated guess. Your hypothesis should be
measurable and say something like, "Raising the temperature of a cup of water will increase the amount of
sugar that dissolves."
STEP 3: Design and Perform an Experiment – Design and perform an experiment that will prove your
hypothesis true or false.
STEP 5: Analyze the Results – Once your experiment is complete gather and analyze all data to
determine if your hypothesis is true or false. If your hypothesis is false go back to STEP 2 and create a
new hypothesis.
STEP 6: Communicate the Results - Communicate your results via a report and a science fair board.
From creativity to how memorable a presentation or display might be judges, will use a variety of criteria to
judge your child’s science fair project. Judges might ask these questions…
- Did the child think like a scientist?
- Is the science fair topic creative?
- Did the child use the scientific method?
- Was the child’s project presented and displayed professionally?
- Was the presentation and display memorable?
Planning is key! An award-winning science fair project is not created overnight. Realize ahead of time
that it takes patience and time when doing these projects.