A hypothesis is a proposed explanation for a phenomenon that can be tested through observation or experimentation. It's a testable statement that predicts the outcome of an experiment or observation.
Here's how it works in the scientific method:
1. Observation: You notice something interesting.
2. Question: You ask a question about the observation.
3. Hypothesis: You propose a possible answer to the question.
4. Prediction: You make a prediction about what will happen if your hypothesis is true.
5. Experiment: You design and carry out an experiment to test your prediction.
6. Analysis: You analyze the results of your experiment to see if they support your hypothesis.
If your hypothesis is supported by the evidence, you can continue to refine and test it. If it's not supported, you may need to revise your hypothesis or come up with a new one.