Observing Our World Standard (1.1): Makes observations and asks questions.

Why do we make observations?  When scientists make observations, they learn the world around them and help answer questions.  They can use what they learned to make predictions and their observations often lead to more questions.

What Do We Use to Make Good Observations? Using our five senses Sight Touch Taste Smell Hearing

What Kinds of Observations Will We Make? – Qualitative observations ;describing the qualities of an object The shirt looks red. The surface of the cat’s tongue is rough. The cake smells sweet. – Quantitative observations ;counting the number of items attached to an object such as the number of petals on a flower or making a measuremen). The wave is 25 feet high. There are six pencils in the classroom. The cylinder holds 20 ml of liquid.

Then What? Draw Conclusions – Based upon your observations and what you already know, make an educated ‘guess’ 1.Observation: snarling/foaming at the mouth dog; 2. What you already know; snarling/foaming dogs are dangerous; 3.Educated Guess: This situation is dangerous. I should leave carefully. Observation + What you already know=Educated Guess

Some observations may take a long time Think Tank ! What might you observe over a period of time? And Why? The phases of the Moon An organism growing The weather An animal’s behavior Weathering and Erosion

Recording Observations Recording your observation is just as important as making an observation Use words and numbers You may want to draw a picture Take photos Make videos Or even record sounds  Be thorough and creative when making observations

Be Observant-Be a Scientist Understand the World in Which You Live

Observation Organizer ITEM Observation (Quantitative) SENSE USED Use all four senses. Observation (Qualitative) SENSE USED Plant 5 petals on the flower seeingYellow flowers Seeing

Observation Organizer (continued) ITEM Observation (Quantitative) SENSE USED Observation (Qualitative) SENSE USED Plant 5 petals on the flower seeingYellow flowers Seeing