Science Skills Part 1-

Observations

I Can…

I can take detailed observations using the 5 senses.I can describe the difference between a quantitative observation and a qualitative observation.

Science Skill: OBSERVINGObserving means using

one or more of your senses to gather information. Your senses include: sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell.In science, we never taste things unless we know EXACTLY what it is and whether it is safe.Observations can be either qualitative or quantitative.

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QUALQUALitative ObservationsQualitative observations

give a quality or property of the thing being observed.Usually adjectives like red, white, big, tall, girl, boy, quiet, or loud are qualitative.Example: – He is wearing a white jersey with a red #6 on the front, center.

– He has his hand in the air in the shape of a fist.

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QUALitative Observations= QUALities

QuaNNtitative Observations

QuantitativeQuantitative data, describes an object numericallyQuantitative observations are things you actually measure. Height, weight, number, etc... are all quantitative.Example: He is 6ft 3in tall. He weighs 225 lbs.

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QuaNtitative Observations = Numbers

Let’s Practice

QUALitative– The insect is light green

– The insect is shaped like a folded leaf

– It has long, spindly legs

QuaNtitative– The insect is 3 inches long.

– It has 6 legs.

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Adopt-a-Lime ActivityOn the right hand side of your notebooks, create the following chart.Then, fill in the chart with information about your lime.

Quantitative Qualitative

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Science Skills Part 2-

Observations vs. Inferences

Science Skills continuedI Can…

I can describe the difference between an observation, inference, and prediction.

Science Skills: Inferences

When you explain or interpret the things you observe, you are inferring or making an inference. Inferences are not always correct!!Observations are always facts---they must be true and correct. Inferences are not always true---they are educated guesses.

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Science Skills: Predicting

Predicting means making a forecast of what will happen in the future based on past experience or evidence. Predictions are a type of inference about the future.

CSI: Frederick Douglass

When Ms. B dismisses you to the crime scene, observe the scene carefully.

When you return to your seat, write a crime scene report that clearly describes your analysis of the scene.

You should base your report on at least 6 observations.

Underline all observations and put a circle around(highlight) all inferences.

Write your notes/observations in your notebook on the right hand side but turn this in on a separate sheet of paper for hw.

Science Skills: Making Models

Making Models involves creating representations of complex objects or processes. (Careful: some information may be missing from a model)

Science Skills: Classifying

Classifying is the process of grouping together items that are alike in some way. Classifying things helps you stay organized so you can easily find and use them later

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