OBSERVATIONS

ACCURATE OBSERVATIONS ARE NECESSARY

To discriminate similar objects

To make careful estimations To make precise measurements

To create models

Observation details may be measureable (made with

measuring tools), observable (made using

senses), or both.

MEASURABLE • In scientific investigation, data

should be collected, recorded, analyzed, and reported through appropriate METRIC measurement and tools.

• Measurements must be ACCURATE.

• ALL scientific measurements are in METRIC UNITS!

MEASUREMENT TOOLSMetric rulerUsed to measure length

Base unit – meter

In class, mainly centimeters (cm)

To write, use whole number on the left, decimal, and then count small marks.

LET’S PRACTICE!

0.3 cm

1.0 cm

1.5 cm

2.7 cm

4.3 cm

Triple Beam Balance

Used to measure mass

Base unit – gram

In class, mainly use gram (g)

To write, read each beam in numerical order

LIKE THIS-1st, read 100’s place (ex- 100)

2nd, read 10’s (Ex- 30)

Finally, read 1’s, just like the metric ruler (Ex- 5.7)

Combine to get the answer 135.7g

Graduated Cylinder

Used to measure volume

Base unit – literIn class, mainly use milliliters (ml)

To read, leave on level surface and look straight at cylinder, determine the scale (what are you counting by), and read at the bottom of the meniscus.

MORE PRACTICE

12 ml 16 ml

14 ml 14 ml

*Be sure to find interval first!!

Thermometer

Used to measure temperature

Base unit – Celsius

In class, use Celsius (C)

To read, determine interval and go straight across.

ONE MORE TIME!

18 C 0 C -8 C 30 C

DATA• Data should be collected, recorded,

analyzed, and reported.• Data should be organized and

communicated through appropriate graphical representation.

LET’S DO A SURVEY

OBSERVABLE

tasting

smelling

seeingtouching

hearing

QUALITATIVE VS QUANTITATIVE

Qualitative- relating to or involving quality or kind

Quantitative- related to , expressible as, or involving measurement (quantity) (HAS NUMBERS)

Qualitative Quantitative1. The sun is shining. 2. The grass is green.3. The sheep are baaing

and eating daisies.

1. Three sheep are in the grass.

2. One sheep is in the water!

3. Four daisies are growing in the pasture.

MODELSA model is a representation of an object or process

that allows scientists to study something in greater detail.

• Models provide a way of visually representing abstract concepts.

• Models permit students to order events or processes.