The scientific method is the process scientists use to answer questions and solve problems. It involves 5 key steps: 1) Ask a question and research background information 2) Make an educated hypothesis or prediction of the answer 3) Design and conduct an experiment to test the hypothesis 4) Record, organize, and analyze the results and data 5) Draw a conclusion on whether the hypothesis was confirmed or not based on the results The goal is to gather objective evidence that either supports or disproves the initial hypothesis through a reproducible experiment.