Scientific Observations

Scientific Observations “Data”

Observations • One of the most important things we do as scientists is gather information about the world around us • We gather information by OBSERVING • We gather information by seeing, hearing, tasting, touching and smelling. • The Process of observation is noticing things and attending to details

Some observations may be difficult • It’s too small • It’s too far away • It’s hidden away

Often we need tools to help us with our observations

Observation Tools • - microscope - telescope - magnifying glasses - binoculars • Can you think of any others?

Observation Tools • Some tools help us observe complicated things - MRI - X-ray - Stethoscope

Professionals Use Observations • Doctors rely on observations to help diagnose a patient’s illness • Engineers rely on observations to design safe building structures and roadways • Teachers rely on observations to develop lesson plans • Scientists rely on observations to determine if the hypothesis they are testing is correct

Classification of Observations Name - noun • Balloon • Car • Cloud • Pencil • Lemon • Sugar • Skunk

Classification of Observations Property – adjective, describes • Red • Shiny • Fluffy • Sharp • Sour • Sweet • Smelly

If the Observation is a Property it can be either qualitative or quantitative Qualitative – describes without using numbers to measure • Color • Odor • Texture • Shape

Or Quantitative Quantitative – describes by using numbers to measure • 5/8 inch • 24 cm • 49 miles • 100 pennies • 12 dollars • 99%

Direct Observations are • Names AND • Properties - qualitative - quantitative • You only use your senses

Indirect Observation • Gather information about the properties of an object without actually knowing for sure

Indirect observations • Lead toinferences • An inference is an educated guess based on past experience or knowledge – something that you know • Why is the elephant in the leaves? • Your educated guess is your inference

Scientific Observations