Scientists Make Observations

Observations Deals with numbers Data which can be measured Quantitative Qualitative Deals with numbers Data which can be measured Length, height, area, volume, weight, speed, time, temperature, humidity, sound levels, cost, members, ages, etc. Quantitative → Quantity  Deals with descriptions Data can be observed but not measured Colors, textures, smells, tastes, appearance, beauty, etc. Qualitative → Quality

What are Bad Observations? With your table group come up with a few examples

Bad Observations Non-descriptive Based on opinions Exaggerates Uses ONLY your senses when could be measured Made afterwards (not in person in real time)

What are good observations? With your table group come up with a few examples

Good Observations Descriptive Uses your senses Uses measurement Made in person in real time

GREAT Observations The Difference is in the DETAILS! Highly descriptive- gives many details Uses all 5 of your senses Uses multiple measurements in scientific units Made in person in real time Could draw accurately from description

Quality Levels of Observations I. Mrs. Zeiders lava lamp has a red base. II. Mrs. Zeiders lava lamp has a shiny red base. III. Mrs. Zeiders lava lamp has a shiny, metallic, fire engine red, hourglass shaped base with a ring of 15 holes. Each hole is 2cm up from the bottom and 3mm across. The entire base is 16cm high, widest at the top and bottom (13.5cm across) and narrowest at the middle (4.5cm across).

Practice Examples

Observations Questions Questions Experiments Experiments Conclusions Conclusions Observations