Do now SILENTLY: Grab a handout from the table near the door. In your journal, write about a time when you had to be observant.

Introduction to OBSERVATIONS Observing to investigate

How observant are you? One of the greatest differences between scientists and non- scientists is the skill of observation. How observant are you? Let’s find out! “A scientist in his laboratory is not a mere technician: he is also a child confronting objects in nature that impress him as if they were fairy tales.”

OBSERVATION TEST 1: passing the ball Video 1: Video 2:

Observation Test 2: Make some quick observations about the object that I am holding. You have one minute! Be prepared to share your observations.

Observations vs. inferences: Observations are things that we can sense or measure. These are things that we absolutely know. (we know that this is a cylinder, that it is red, and that it looks like a ketchup bottle). Inferences are ideas about what we cannot sense, predictions based on past experience, or guesses. Inferences are what we think. (e.g. we think that this is a ketchup bottle, filled with catsup, and that it is made of plastic). These are things that, without holding it or testing it, you cannot know.

FINAL TEST: THE LEMON CHALLENGE You will each receive a lemon (no, it does not have sunglasses). Make and record observations about your lemon. You may use your journal for this challenge. When I say “stop,” you will have to stop making observations.

THE CHALLENGE Place your lemon in the middle of the table in the workshop. Bring your notebook!

How did you do? If you didn’t do well, don’t worry – you will have another chance! Try to win the challenge again. This time, you may use any of the resources in this classroom (not the workshop). You have a limited amount of time!

Kinds of Observations – Qualitative observations What kinds of observations can you make? Qualitative Observations – Looks at the QUALITIES of an object to describe what we observe (using our five senses). What are some examples of qualitative observations? Examples: “it is red,” “it smells good,” “it tastes like lemon,” “it sounds like rock n’ roll.”

Kinds of Observations – Qualitative observations What kinds of observations can you make? Quantitative Observations – Evaluates QUANTITIES (measurements/numbers) of an object to measure what we observe. What are some examples of quantitative observations? Examples: “how many, length, width, height, weight/mass, density, etc.” You can use tools in this room to collect

THE LEMON CHALLENGE, Part II Make and record observations about your lemon. You may use your journal for this challenge. Try to win the challenge again. This time, you may use any of the resources in this classroom (not the workshop). You have a limited amount of time! When I say “stop,” you will have to stop making observations.

THE CHALLENGE Place your lemon in the middle of the table in the workshop. Bring your notebook! This time, you have a limited amount of time to complete the challenge.

Great work! What kind of observations did you make this time? Qualitative Quantitative

Tomorrow… We will have a short observations mini-quiz about inferences vs. observations, quantitative and qualitative observations. Take a review sheet and practice questions home with you! You should study for 15-20 minutes this evening. We will discuss types and units of measurement. Be prepared to start gathering some serious quantitative measurements!