FOCUS 2019: The scientific method i
By Jurie de Jager, Subject Specialist
Science – derived from scientia (Latin): Activities encompassing the systematic
study of the physical and natural world through observation and experiment.
The scientific method is designed to challenge ideas through research by stating a hypothesis, collecting measurable
evidence and observing the results to reach a conclusion. This method is taught to learners, as it is a fundamental
element of scientific fields and the benefits of teaching goes well beyond the classroom. In addition, the thought processes
developed through practising the scientific method helps to develop crucial thinking patterns such as logical reasoning and
formulating logical answers from seemingly unstructured results.
There are basic steps in following the scientific method:
1. Questions
Ask questions about something that you observe (how?, what?, where?, who?, when?, why?).
2. Form a hypothesis
Make an educated guess or testable explanation and make a prediction based on the hypothesis.
3. Test the hypothesis
Conduct an experiment to test the hypothesis.
4. Analyse the data and draw a conclusion
Once the experiment is completed, collect the measurements and analyse them to see if the hypothesis is true or false.
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