Which of the following examples best describes the use of the scientific method?

• A. An artist paints a picture based on their imagination.
• B. A person guesses the weather based on how they feel in the morning.
• C. A student observes that plants grow faster in sunlight, forms a hypothesis, conducts an experiment, collects data, and draws a conclusion.
• D. A chef tries a new recipe without measuring the ingredients.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the scientific method. The scientific method is a systematic process used to investigate phenomena, acquire new knowledge, or correct and integrate previous knowledge. It involves observation, forming a hypothesis, conducting experiments, collecting data, and drawing conclusions.
2. Step 2: Analyze each example provided in the problem. Determine whether the example follows the steps of the scientific method. For instance, painting a picture based on imagination does not involve observation, hypothesis formation, or experimentation.
3. Step 3: Evaluate the example of guessing the weather based on feelings. This approach lacks systematic observation, hypothesis testing, and data collection, so it does not align with the scientific method.
4. Step 4: Examine the example of a student observing plant growth in sunlight. This example includes observation (plants grow faster in sunlight), forming a hypothesis, conducting an experiment, collecting data, and drawing a conclusion, which are all steps of the scientific method.
5. Step 5: Consider the example of a chef trying a new recipe without measuring ingredients. This example lacks systematic observation, hypothesis formation, and controlled experimentation, so it does not follow the scientific method.