Sylvia Spengler: The scientific method is often viewed as an intrinsic, characteristic part of science—simple and logical to all. It is something you read about and perhaps practice as a process. The reality may look very different. Spengler will review the basic ideas underlying the scientific method and then discuss how science may be done (“First make a guess ...”).

One issue in communicating about science is language, which has been as problematic across the sciences as it is between scientists and the general public. Given that, the way a scientist would ask colleagues about their scientific research and their methods might translate into broader mechanisms for public understanding.