1. Ask a Question

Think of this like a mission. What problem do you need to solve? A good question needs to be specific and testable. For example, “How do I track down a bounty using this new gadget?”

Questions can come from observations, previous research, or problems you encounter. Make sure your question is clear and focused.

2. Do Background Research

Before entering a situation, you need some intel. Research your target, the environment, and any known dangers. It’s like looking up data on your onboard computer.

Use reliable sources such as scientific journals, books, and trusted websites. Gathering information helps you understand what is already known about the topic and how to approach your question.

3. Construct a Hypothesis

The hypothesis is your best guess on how things will go down. A hypothesis is a statement that you can test. For example, “If I use the heat vision mode on my helmet, I can find the target faster.”

A reasonable hypothesis is specific and makes a precise prediction. It should be structured as an “If… then…” statement, like “If I use heat vision, then I will locate the target more quickly.”

4. Test Your Hypothesis by Doing an Experiment

Time for action! Put on your helmet and activate heat vision to search for your target. Your experiment tests your hypothesis.

Design an experiment that tests your hypothesis under controlled conditions. Ensure you only change one variable at a time while keeping others constant. For example, if you’re testing heat vision, ensure other conditions (like light levels and search area) stay the same.

5. Analyse Your Data and Draw a Conclusion

Did your heat vision help you find the target? Check your results. If it did, great! If not, think about what went wrong and how you can improve.

Collect data from your experiment and analyse it. Look for patterns or differences that support or refute your hypothesis. If your hypothesis is not supported, think about why and consider revising it or conducting further experiments.

6. Communicate Your Results

Share what you’ve learned with others, maybe with your crew or in your bounty hunter guild. This helps everyone improve their own missions.

Write a report or give a presentation detailing your question, hypothesis, methods, results, and conclusions. Clear communication is essential for others to understand and build upon your work.

Further Reading

To learn more about the scientific method and how to use it, check out these resources:

And remember, just like any mission, sometimes things go differently than planned. The key is to learn from each experience and keep improving. This is the way!