Answer to Question 1
ANS: The first step is to make an observation and ask questions. Why did something have an observed effect? The next step is to develop a hypothesisa possible explanation of the observed effect. An experiment follows to prove or disprove the hypothesis and then the findings of the experiment are shared with the scientific community.
Answer to Question 2
ANS: If a site URL ends in edu or gov it is probably a reliable site. Likewise, if the site is not selling something or sending you to another site to make a purchase. If the people who sponsor the site are open about their credentials such as being medical doctors or Registered Dietitians, then the site is more credible. If the information on the site is current and based on medical facts and figures that have references, it is more likely reliable.