Make an observationNotice something, often a problem: the classroom is too warm.
Ask a questionTurn the observation into a question: why is it so warm?
Form a hypothesisA possible answer that a test could prove wrong.
Make a predictionIf the hypothesis is right, then this should happen.
Test and share 4
Test with an experimentChange one variable, keep a control, and collect data.
Analyze the resultsSort the data into tables or graphs and look for patterns.
Draw a conclusionSay whether the data supports the hypothesis.
Report the resultsShare the work so others can check it and try it again.
How this list was compiled: Read 2026-09-23 to check the steps and their order. (1) OpenStax, Biology 2e, 1.1 The Science of Biology, https://openstax.org/books/biology-2e/pages/1-1-the-science-of-biology: the process starts with an observation that leads to a question; a hypothesis is a suggested explanation that can be tested; a prediction typically has the form 'If . . . then . . .'; experiments test the hypothesis; figure 1.6 lists observation, question, hypothesis, prediction, experiment, result, and says that if a hypothesis is not supported by the data a new one can be proposed. (2) OpenStax, Concepts of Biology, 1.2 The Process of Science, https://openstax.org/books/concepts-biology/pages/1-2-the-process-of-science: the same steps (figure 1.18), and that science submits its conclusions to the scrutiny of others. (3) Wikipedia, Scientific method, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scientific_method: the iterative scheme define a question; gather information and resources (observe); form an explanatory hypothesis; test it by experiment; analyze the data; interpret the data and draw conclusions that serve as a starting point for a new hypothesis; publish results; retest. Licence: own work
The drawing: Drawn for this site by script, 2026-09-23. Licence: own work
How it works
The scientific method runs observation, question, hypothesis, prediction, experiment, analysis, conclusion, report. Each box here lights up in turn; pick the step that belongs in it, then print the chart blank.
Read the full guide
Follow the arrows
The top row runs left to right, from what you noticed to what you expect. The bottom row runs back, from the test to sharing it. The dashed arrow is the way back: a hypothesis the data does not support is replaced by a new one.
Print it for class
Print it blank, with a line under each box to write the step, or labeled as the key.
Questions and answers
What are the steps of the scientific method in order?
Make an observation, ask a question, form a hypothesis, make a prediction, test it with an experiment, analyze the results, draw a conclusion and report the results. If the data does not support the hypothesis, form a new one and test again.
Why do some lists have 5, 6 or 7 steps?
Textbooks group the same work differently. Some join question and observation, leave out the prediction, or add background research before the hypothesis. The order stays the same.
What is the difference between a hypothesis and a prediction?
A hypothesis is a possible explanation: the room is warm because the air conditioning is off. A prediction says what a test should show if it is right: if I turn it on, the room will cool.