1.1. How Scientists Work - Observations

How do Scientists make discoveries?

How do Scientists make discoveries?

• They use their senses

• How many different discoveries can you make today?

Multiple Select

Choose the senses that you COULD use to make discoveries.

Poll

Are there any senses that might NOT be SAFE to use in the science lab?

In Science, we use the word OBSERVATION

for things that we see, hear, feel, smell or taste.

WHICH SENSES COULD WE USE TO SAFELY MAKE AND RECORD OBSERVATIONS ABOUT A BURNING CANDLE?

Open Ended

HOW could YOU use your SENSES to SAFELY make and record observations about a burning candle?

In your lab groups:

1. Light a candle

2. Record as many observations as you can in 5 minutes

Can you think of any OTHER ways to make observations about the burning candle?

Is there anything in your pencil case that you could use?

In your lab groups:

3. Go back and see how many more things you can record in another 2 minutes.

Open Ended

1. Write down the total number of different observations that your group made in the space below.

Open Ended

2. You should have two different types of observations. Can you work out what these two different types of observations are?

OBSERVATIONS can be things that we:

- measure using numbers

- describe using words

Multiple Select

Which of these shows a number measurement?

Multiple Select

Which of these need a description observation?

EXTENSION

• "QUANTITATIVE OBSERVATIONS" observations using numbers e.g. weight, length

• "QUALITATIVE OBSERVATIONS" observations that use descriptions e.g. shiny, fluffy, blue, rough.

DRAW A TABLE WITH TWO HEADINGS:

- Number Measurements

- Descriptions

Sort your observations into the two columns. Ask for help if you need it!