Final answer:
In the scientific method, formulating a hypothesis is followed by experimentation to test the hypothesis. The answer to the student's question is C) Experimentation / a hypothesis.
Step-by-step explanation:
A step in the scientific method in environmental science involves formulating a hypothesis after making observations. Once a hypothesis—a tentative explanation for observations—is formed, the next step is to design and conduct experiments. These experiments are systematic observations or measurements under controlled conditions. If a hypothesis is found to be valid after experimentation, scientists then move to analyzing data and drawing conclusions by comparing predicted results with actual outcomes.
The correct answer to the question is therefore C) Experimentation / a hypothesis. After experimentation, the next step is analyzing the results and drawing conclusions from the data collected.