Observations

1. Observations

2. Observations • Observations are taken in science so that someone reading your experiment can see what you experienced. • Observations can include measurements, or experiences using the 5 senses.

3. Types of Observations • Measurements are called quantitative observations. • To remember: • Quantitative = Quantity, and a quantity is a number.

4. Types of Observations • Observations using the senses are called qualitative observations. • To remember: • Qualitative = Quality, and a quality is a property of something.

5. Making Good Observations • To make good qualitative observations, you need to be descriptive. • Bad Observations: • “Bubbled” • “Turned black” • “Dissolved” • Better Observations: • “The metal bubbled” • “The solution turned black” • “The salt dissolved”

6. Making Good Observations • Making good quantitative observations means making good measurements. • Measurements are always numbers, and they always have units. • Examples: • Mass ex: 60 g • Time ex: 20 s • Electric current ex: 120 A • Volume ex: 355 mL