5 Steps in The Scientific Method:

1. Make an Observation Step - Observing the Problem or Project;

2. Ask a question Step - Asking a question about the Problem or Project;

3. Form a Hypothesis Step - When formulating a Hypothesis, you would write it as a question because it is an "educated guess" ......., then that ??? should occur;

4. Experimentation Step - During this Step you would ...a). Test the Hypothesis, b). Do the Research, c). Collect the Data from the Research/Experiments, and d). Make sense of (analyze) the Data Results;

5. Draw a Conclusion Step - Your conclusion would be based on evidence from your Data Results

Application: Here is an example of how you would apply The (5 Step) Scientific Method to the COVID pandemic -

1. Make an Observation Step - During 2019- 2021, we observed how there were more than 900,000 deaths that occurred due to the COVID-19 virus; and how more COVID-19 related sicknesses are still occurring in densely populated areas

2. Ask a Question Step - Can wearing a Face Mask over a person's face help to reduce the spread of COVID-19 virus?

3. Form a Hypothesis Step - If I wear a Face Mask over my face when I am out in public, then that action on my part should help mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 virus

4. Experimentation Step - Testing your Hypothesis--- I will document the days I wear a Face Mask over my face when I go out to socialize with other people as a way that I help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 virus---I will collect and analyze the data that I have collected as well as any data I have read about regarding the wearing of Face masks (i.e., from the CDC)

5. Conclusion Step - Based on my data results, which I have analyzed, I will conclude that wearing a Face Mask across my face decreases or mitigates the spread of the COVID-19 virus.

Now, your problem or project...

Week 1 - Discussion Topic: Use The 5-Step Scientific Method and your critical thinking skills to address and solve a "problem" that you are facing in your life right now.

Please make sure the "problem" that you are currently facing in your life is a "problem" that you feel comfortable sharing with others; and is something that isnot confidential.