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 hot is an example of qualitative data. It is 42° Celsius 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. How many details you can find?

Facing North

West East

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

Write your observations - one per line - on a piece of paper. Make as many observations as you can.

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?

Write at least two hypothesis about what you have observed.

 

Extension:
Write a legend, like the Native Americans have done, that explains this phenomena.

 

"Equipped with his five senses, man explores the universe around him and calls the adventure Science."
~Edwin Powell Hubble, The Nature of Science, 1954

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