Every day you answer questions-dozens, even hundreds of them. How do you find the answers to questions? How can you be sure your answers are correct?

Scientists use questions to learn about things. Scientists have developed a way of helping make sure they answer questions correctly. It is called the scientific method. The scientific method can help you find answers to many of the questions you are curious about.

What kind of food does your dog like best? Is your sister more likely to help you with your homework if you say please? Can throwing a dead snake over a tree branch make it rain? The scientific method can help you answer these questions and many others.

Stephen P. Kramer has had a lifelong interest in natural history. After receiving degrees in biology from Pacific Lutheran University and Northern Arizona University, he taught junior high school science for four years on the Navajo Reservation. He spends his time now as a househusband and writer. His first book for children was Getting Oxygen: What do you do if you're cell twenty-two? Mr. Kramer lives with his wife and two sons in Vancouver, Washington.