Question 5 (1 point) Which of the following is NOT a step in the scientific method? Forming a hypothesis Explaining results Analyzing the data Making a prediction

1. The scientific method generally involves the following steps: - **Observation:** Gathering necessary background information. - **Forming a Hypothesis:** Proposing a testable explanation. - **Making a Prediction:** Deducing expected outcomes from the hypothesis. - **Designing and Performing an Experiment:** Testing the hypothesis. - **Analyzing the Data:** Reviewing the experimental results. - **Drawing Conclusions:** Deciding whether the hypothesis is supported or not. 2. Among the options provided: - **Forming a hypothesis** is a core step. - **Analyzing the data** is also a standard step. - **Making a prediction** flows directly from stating a hypothesis. - **Explaining results** is not typically listed as an explicit step in the scientific method; rather, the phase of drawing conclusions and communicating findings covers the role of explaining outcomes. 3. Therefore, the option that is NOT a formal step in the scientific method is: \( \textbf{Explaining results} \)