The first step in the scientific process is:

The first step in the scientific process is typically to make an observation. This observation involves noticing something in the natural world that prompts questions. The observation can be about a phenomenon that requires further understanding or an event that requires explanation. Once the observation is made, it leads to the formulation of a hypothesis, where a tentative explanation is proposed to be tested through experimentation.

After the hypothesis is formed, the process continues with experimentation, data collection, analysis, and drawing conclusions, which can further lead to new observations and questions, perpetuating the scientific inquiry cycle. Overall, making observations is crucial as it lays the groundwork for developing scientific knowledge.