We have been learning about the scientific method and today we got to see it in action! The scientific method is the set of steps scientists use to learn about and study the world around them. The six steps of the scientific method are:

1. Make an observation about the world around you.
2. Identify a question that arises from your observation.
3. Form a hypothesis to predict the answer to your question.
4. Design an experiment to test your hypothesis.
5. Analyze your data collected in your experiment.
6. Form a conclusion based on your data.

Today we borrowed an observation and question from a famous scientist, Galileo Galilei. He wondered whether or not a heavier object would fall faster than a lighter object. Using a collection of balls of different weights and sizes, we put it to the test:

To our surprise, we found that the size and weight of the ball did not affect how fast it fell! Both balls hit the ground at the same time. As good scientists do, we repeated the experiment more than once to check our findings.

Stay tuned for more scientific discoveries…