OBSERVATION OBSERVING Observing Using one or more of

OBSERVATION

OBSERVING Observing: Using one or more of your senses to gather information about the world. We have five senses sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch. Example: You can see a blue wall, hear a bell ring, smell smoke, taste a sour lemon and feel the smooth desktop.

OBSERVING Observations in science must be accurate and objective!! Accurate Observation: An exact report of what your senses tell you. • Example: Sixteen students were present for class today.

OBSERVING Objective Observation: Avoids opinions. The observation is based on a specific point of view. • Example: The substance in the beaker is blue.

TYPES OF OBSERVATIONS Qualitative Observations: Descriptions that do not use numbers. Example: If you report colors, smells, tastes, textures or sounds. Quantitative Observations: Include numbers. (Often made using tools). Example: If you count objects, or measure objects with standard units.

TYPES OF OBSERVATIONS Examples: 1. The classroom walls are yellow. 2. The classroom floor is shiny. 3. The chalkboard is 1 meter high.

OBSERVATIONS In science observations are usually followed by an inference. Inference: A statement explaining an observation. **Inferences MAY NOT be correct**

INFERENCES & OBSERVATIONS Label each example as an observation or inference. Examples: 1. There’s an empty fish tank in the classroom. 2. The tank is 50 cm long, 30 cm wide, and 18 cm deep. 3. The tank used to contain live fish.