2. The scientific method Observe a phenomenon Science works by observing a phenomenon and asking questions about it. Why did the bottle of water break when it was in the freezer? What happens to water when it freezes? Search for information Find out whether a solution already exists. • Do you agree with it? • Is there another possible explanation? In general, substances occupy a smaller volume when they are in a solid state than in a liquid state. Water is an exception. Make a hypothesis Think about what you have found out. • What could be a potential answer? • Can you make any predictions? Water increases in size when it freezes. A hypothesis is a possible explanation and it must be tested. Questions help to define the problem we want to study. Discussing the problem with others is very helpful. 6 How is science different from philosophy or religion when explaining what is happening around us? 7 Have you ever needed to use a particular method to complete a task? What was it? Why was it effective? 3 2 1 CHALLENGE 12
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