Are they really necessary? Can you do science without doing observations?

Where does science begin? All human beings share a desire to explore and understand the world around us. Science is developed out of this curiosity. Science is done by the asking and answering of questions. Why? What? How?

What are observations? Two types of observations: qualitative and quantitative. Qualitative observations describe using our five senses.

Any information collected with the senses. » Sight » Smell » Touch » Taste » Hear Examples: » red flowers » smells like fresh baked cookies » Tastes bitter » Heard a loud “pop”

What are observations? Quantitative observations measure.

Made with measuring instruments: » Rulers » Balances » Graduated cylinders » Thermometers Quantitative – measureable or countable » 3 meters long » 4 marbles » 50 kilograms » 35 degrees Celsius

6. Let’s Practice! Qualitative (1) or Quantitative (2) A. It is light green in color. 1

6. Let’s Practice! Qualitative (1) or Quantitative (2) B. It tastes sour. 1

6. Let’s Practice! Qualitative (1) or Quantitative (2) C. One leaf is 9 cm long. 2

6. Let’s Practice! Qualitative (1) or Quantitative (2) D. It makes a loud pop sound. 1

6. Let’s Practice! Qualitative (1) or Quantitative (2) E. The mass of the computer is 1 ½ kg. 2

6. Let’s Practice! Qualitative (1) or Quantitative (2) F. It smells sweet. 1

7. You Try It! Write a qualitative observation example!

8. You Try It! Write a quantitative observation example!

What are observations?

Exit Question Can you do science without doing observations?