The document discusses research and the scientific method. It begins by asking why we are interested in research and what research is. Some key reasons for interest in research include the desire for knowledge creation and addressing unsolved problems. Research is defined as the systematic investigation into and study of materials to establish new facts and reach conclusions. The scientific method is introduced as involving defining a problem, conducting research, formulating a hypothesis, experimentation, analyzing results, and drawing conclusions. Steps of the scientific method are outlined in detail using an example of a student investigating the effect of varying sugar amounts on bread rising. The student's experiments lead him to accept his hypothesis that more sugar leads to larger loaves of bread.