magnifying glass Observation: The First Step in the Scientific Method

"People can often learn about things around them by just observing those things carefully, but sometimes they can learn more by doing something to the things and noting what happens. Describing things as accurately as possible is important in science because it enables people to compare their observations with those of others.

Tools such as thermometers, magnifiers, rulers, or balances often give more information about things than can be obtained by just observing things without their help."
Science NetLinks Benchmark 1- Nature of science - How science works

Observations are also called data. There are two kinds of data.

- Qualitative data which are descriptions that do not have numbers.

The farmer noticed that the leaves of much of his lettuce crop were turning brown and shriveling., is an example of qualitative data.

- Quantitative data are obtained by making measurements and have numbers.
Scientists use instruments (tools) to obtain numbers based data.

The driest month in Miami, Florida is January with 1.88 inches of precipitation. There is 66% Sunshine hours. With 8.63 inches of precipitation, August is the wettest month. Still Miami's August has 71% Sunshine hours. - is an example of quantitative data.

It is important to be a careful observer. Small details can be the important clues that lead the investigator to the answer to a question.

Jay was walking along a country road when he saw this stuff in the creek.

foam

Click here for a closer view. Use the Back Button of your browser to return to this web page.

1. Write your observations

 

2. Imagine - If you were standing in the scene:

What tools (instruments) would help you to gather critical data?

 

3. Take a guess (form a hypothesis) - What happened here?

 

Scientists seek to answer questions. They make observations as the first step to the scientific method.

4. Based on your observations, would you advise consuming any water from the creek?

 

“If there is magic on this planet, it is contained in water." Loran Eisely, The Immense Journey, 1957

Explore further:

About Units of Measurement - IB Biology | Observing Biology how to's

Monitoring and Assessing Water Quality | The Water Cycle | Common Measuring Water - USGS

Steps of the Scientific Method - Science Buddies | Learn about the Scientific Method

Observation Science Skills Builders | The Scientific Process

Bluebirds Project | Fields, Meadows and Fencerows EcoStudy Unit

Wetlands EcoStudy Unit | Water and Watershed Studies

meter ruler

All trademarks, copyright and logos belong to their respective owners.

Internet Hunts / Nature / Computers / Pennsylvania Projects / Water and Watersheds unit / Puzzles & Projects / Site map / Mrs O's House

Cynthia J. O'Hora Posted 3/2009 released to free use in a nonprofit setting.
Aligned with Pennsylvania Academic Standards | Assessment and Rubrics

tree icon Save a tree - use a Digital Answer Format - Highlight the text. Copy it. Paste it in a word processing document. Save the document in your folder. Answer on the word processing document in an easily read, contrasting color (Not yellow ) or font. Avoid fancy fonts like: Symbols, Techno, blakmore fancy font fonts). Save frequently as you work. I have never liked losing my work. You will not like it either. Be sure to enter your name & the date at the top of the document, in a header. Submit the assignment via email attachment or electronic class dropbox. Bad things happen: Save a copy of the response document for your records.

Proof your responses. It is funny how speling errors and typeos sneak in to the bets work. smiling icon Make your own printer paper answer sheet