6. Observations

Success Criteria

Your learning has been successful if you can do the following:

Identify observations in written sentences.
Understand the difference between different types of observations.
Apply your understanding of observations to real-world examples.

Vocabulary

Learn these so you can communicate this concept well.

Hypothesis: A guess or prediction about what might happen in an experiment, based on what you already know.
Observation: Paying attention and noticing something using your senses.
Qualitative: Describing the quality of something using words or descriptions rather than numbers.
Quantitative: Describing the amount of something, using numbers or measurements.
Senses: Sight, hearing, smell, taste and touch.

Lesson 1: Hei Mahi (Do Now)

Do Now on page 24 of your Knowledge Book

Lesson 1: Exit Task

In your Learning Journal:

Re-write this interpreting question so it is asking about the NZ's Biogeography:

How did it happen?

Then, write an answer for it.

Why are observations important in Science?

One of the most important skills in Science is making OBSERVATIONS. Scientists use observation to collect and record data, which help them to test their HYPOTHESES (predictions). Any data recorded during an experiment be called an observation.

Observation consists of understanding the outside world through our SENSES, or recording information using scientific tools and instruments. We use one of the five senses to gather information about the natural world.

There are different types of observers: casual observers and scientific observers. The main difference between a scientist and a casual observer is that the scientist reflects on their observation and will analyse it to get more understanding and information. A causal observer on the other hand will just observe and move on.

Scientists gather information by making both QUALITATIVE and QUANTITATIVE observations.

If the observation has no numbers it is called a qualitative observation. Eg: It is hot today.
If the observation has numbers it is called a quantitative observation. Eg: It is 34° C today.

Quantitative observations are also called measurements.