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The Scientific Method

The Scientific Method

The scientific method is a detailed, empirical problem-solving process used by biologists and other scientists. This iterative approach involves formulating a question based on observation, developing a testable potential explanation for the observation (called a hypothesis), making and testing predictions based on the hypothesis, and using the findings to create new hypotheses and predictions.
Generally, predictions are tested using carefully-designed experiments. Based on the outcome of these...

The Scientific Method

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Chemistry is an empirical science. Scientists often pose questions to understand the chemistry in everyday life and seek answers to these questions. To achieve this, scientists follow a definitive series of steps that together make up the Scientific Method. This approach involves making observations, asking questions, building a hypothesis, conducting experiments, analyzing results, and forming a conclusion.

The Scientific Method

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 16, 2026

Basic Methods for the Study of Reproductive Ecology of Fish in Aquaria

Basic Methods for the Study of Reproductive Ecology of Fish in Aquaria

Published on: July 20, 2017

Learning the scientific method using GloFish.

Brianna M Vick¹, Adrianna Pollak, Cynthia Welsh

¹Department of Biology, University of Minnesota Duluth, Duluth, Minnesota 55812, USA.

|December 19, 2012

Summary

Transgenic GloFish enabled students to conduct full scientific method experiments. Undergraduate and high school projects explored GloFish genetics and fluorescence, developing new experiments for future students.

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Area of Science:

Genetics
Aquatic Biology
Science Education

Background:

GloFish are transgenic zebrafish with fluorescent properties.
Incorporating model organisms like GloFish can enhance science education.
Previous studies have not fully utilized GloFish for comprehensive scientific method training.

Purpose of the Study:

To describe projects utilizing GloFish for hands-on scientific method education.
To develop and assess genetics experiments for undergraduate students using GloFish.
To create advanced, hypothesis-driven GloFish projects for independent research and future coursework.

Main Methods:

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) for genetic analysis.
Fluorescence microscopy to study GloFish traits.
Test crosses to determine genotype-phenotype relationships.
Characterization of fluorescence emission spectra across various GloFish colors.

Main Results:

Undergraduate students successfully tested hypotheses on GloFish phenotypes and genotypes.
Independent research projects identified causes of color variations in orange GloFish.
High school students characterized fluorescence patterns of all commercially available GloFish colors.
Students valued learning new techniques and applying genetics knowledge.

Conclusions:

GloFish are effective tools for teaching the scientific method in genetics.
Initial projects provided valuable learning but lacked sufficient challenge for some students.
Independent research projects offer a foundation for more complex and diverse future experiments.
The developed projects expand the scope and difficulty range for genetics laboratory students.