Process Skills - Observing Definition An observation is information using one of the five senses or technology (meter stick, thermometer, barometer, etc) Purpose Scientists record observations to keep track of what happens in an experiment and then they share that information with others What? Why?

Process Skills - Observing Types 1. Qualitative Observations that describe the characteristics (shape, color, relative size, odor, taste, texture, sound, behavior) Less precise and can differ depending on the observer Example: the lion has brown fur, its mane is long and wiry to the touch and smells dusty

Process Skills - Observing 2. Quantitative Observations that measure or count quantities (length, mass, volume, distance, time, how many) More precise and will not differ depending on the observer Example: the lion has 4 legs, the lion chased its prey for 34 seconds, the lion’s tail is 1 meter long Uses Numbers!

Process Skills - Observing Things to remember: *Observations may be different for different people (smell, taste, texture, etc.) *Observations can change over time *Observations should be collected in an organized manner