Using 5 Senses to Make Powerful Observations A STEM Activity Using 5 Senses to Make Powerful Observations The goal of this session is to introduce the difference between observation and inferences. There will also be an opportunity to see whether students are using observation skills or accessing prior knowledge and analyzation skills.

Using all five senses (sight, touch, hear, smell, taste) describe these cookies in as much detail as possible. Invite students to describe, using as much detain as possible via their five senses, an Oreo cookie. Since students are starting this activity by only observing the word any description that they provide about an actual Oreo cookie is based on their past experiences and retrieval of prior knowledge and their understanding of the symbols that are seen. Teaching Note: It is important to notice whether any students are describing how this word appears verses an Oreo cookie, but don’t spend too much time on this slide as it is not productive for students for students to spend much time trying to observe in a third-hand learning experience. Include size, shape, color, lines, patterns, texture, weight, smell, and any simple interactions you can.

Have students continue describing Oreo cookies in as much detain as possible via their five senses and simple interactions. Teaching Note: Students are able to use their visual senses now to observe, but are still somewhat limited in smell and taste in describing an Oreo. Allow students some time to add to their descriptions and possibly add a labeled diagram. Using your five senses (sight, touch, hear, smell, taste) continue to expand your description.

Now provide students with their own Oreo Now provide students with their own Oreo. Let them know that they may eat it AFTER they finish observing and describing it. Teaching Note: It is not until students are able given a first hand experience with the Oreos are they truly able to use all five of their senses in their descriptions. Using your five senses (sight, touch, hear, smell, taste) finalize your description.

Powerful Learning Experiences Most Powerful Least Powerful First Hand (The Real Thing) Hands on Experience to Engage the Senses Second Hand (Representational) Video/Pictures/Models/Simulations/Lecture Third Hand (Symbolic) Books Oreo Use this slide assist the students in processing the Oreo observation activity: Ask, “What was powerful about the learning experience you just completed? When was it easiest to add descriptions about Oreos? When was it hardest?