explain what is meant by the scientific method

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scientific_method

it is a method of which you use to do scientific projects and stuff. its the order in which you write the information.im not exactly sure of the order though

The scientific method is a systematic approach used by scientists to investigate the natural world, understand phenomena, and find answers to research questions. It helps scientists obtain reliable and objective results by following a series of steps. Let me explain each step in the scientific method:

1. Observation: The first step is to make observations about a particular phenomenon or problem. These observations can be made through direct observations, past research, or existing theories.

2. Question: Based on the observations, scientists formulate a clear and specific research question or problem they want to investigate. The question should be focused and testable.

3. Hypothesis: Next, scientists develop a hypothesis, which is an educated guess or a proposed explanation for the question being investigated. A good hypothesis is based on existing knowledge, is falsifiable, and can be tested through experimentation or observation.

4. Prediction: A hypothesis is often accompanied by a prediction. A prediction is a statement that describes a specific outcome or result expected from the experiment or observation if the hypothesis is correct.

5. Experiment: In this step, scientists design and conduct experiments to test their hypothesis and predictions. The experiments should be carefully planned, controlled, and repeatable. They involve manipulating variables and measuring and recording the outcomes.

6. Analysis: Once the data from the experiments are collected, scientists analyze the results using statistical methods and other tools. This step involves organizing, interpreting, and making sense of the data to determine whether they support or refute the hypothesis.

7. Conclusion: Based on the analysis, scientists draw conclusions about whether the hypothesis was supported or not. If the data align with the original hypothesis, it may be considered valid or partially valid. If not, scientists may revise their hypothesis or develop new ones to explain the observations.

8. Communication: Scientists communicate their research findings through scientific papers, conferences, or presentations. This step allows other researchers to review, replicate, and build upon the findings, fostering the progress of scientific knowledge.

It's important to note that the scientific method is an iterative process, meaning it may require multiple cycles of observation, hypothesis testing, and refinement to reach reliable conclusions.