Observation: The First Step in the Scientific Method

To observe means to look at something and to notice the details. When people observe things they often wonder why it is that way. Scientists try to answer that question. They make observations as the first step to the scientific method.

Observations are also called data. There are two kinds of data. Qualitative data which are descriptions that do not have numbers. Quantitative data are obtained by measuring and have numbers. Scientists use instruments (tools) to obtain numbers based data.

Example: It is very bright outside is an example of qualitative data.

The student's light meter read 30,000 lux, on the playground at noon is quantitative data.

It is important to be a careful observer. The smallest detail could be important to finding the answer to a question.

Practice observing by looking at this photo. I observed this on Falls Trail, at Ricketts Glen State Park, Benton, Columbia County, Pennsylvania on Sept. 30, 2007.

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

Write your observations.

Imagine - If you were standing in the scene:

What tools (instruments) would help you to be a better observer?

 

What tools (instruments) might you use to measure what you are observing?

 

Fire up your imagination or curiosity. Write at least two hypothesis about what you have observed.

TAI (Think About It) Do you expect that this will be the same from day to day?

What might change what you see?

Watch Mystery of the Megaflood - PBS Nova program

Describe the role observation played in the discoveries.

Do you think the explanation for the giant potholes might aply to the rock in this activity?

 

"Observation more than books, experience rather than persons, are the prime educators." Amos Bronson Alcott

FAQ Posted by Cynthia J. O'Hora 9/2007, released for noncommercial use by nonprofit organizations

Aligned with Pennsylvania Academic Standards | Rubric Template at Bernie Dodge site