Final answer:
The student is most likely testing the hypothesis: Algae cannot survive without water.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student is most likely testing the hypothesis: Algae cannot survive without water. This hypothesis is supported by the fact that water is essential for the survival of algae as it is needed for various metabolic processes, including photosynthesis. Without water, algae would not be able to carry out these processes and would eventually die.