WARM-UPWARM-UP

What do you notice about your What do you notice about your

environment?environment?

Record your observations.

What did you observe?

What senses did you use?

What tools did you use?

What tools could you use to more detailed observations?

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KEY QUESTIONSKEY QUESTIONS

What observations do soccer players make during a game?

What actions might they take, based on their observations?

Observations are a way to gather Observations are a way to gather information.information.

Photo credit here

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Observations can determine the Observations can determine the difference between life and death. difference between life and death.

© Chris Johns/National Geographic Images

© James L. Stanfield / National Geographic Images

Powers of observation can vary Powers of observation can vary greatly. greatly.

Eagles have amazing eyesight. They can focus in two places at once, forward and to the side.

Bloodhounds are superior sniffers. Millions of olfactory cells help them trace scents.

Dolphins can “see” using feedback from soundwaves. This complex sensory system is known as echolocation.

© Norbert Wu/Minden Pictures

© Alaska Stock Images

© James L. Stanfield / National Geographic Images

How have humans enhanced their How have humans enhanced their powers of observation? powers of observation?

© Mark Christmas / National Geographic Society

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KEY QUESTIONSKEY QUESTIONS

Take a look. Take a look. Is this observation casual or Is this observation casual or scientific? scientific?

© Gene J. Puskar/AP Images

Random Inferred Unsystematic Not recorded Missing specific details

(e.g. “It is cold outside.”)

Casual ObservationsCasual Observations

Can you think of an example of a casual observation?

Factual Systematic, repeatable Recorded Shared Quantifiable, when possible Lead to the formation of questions and hypotheses Detailed

(e.g. “The air temperature is 6o Fahrenheit.”)

Scientific ObservationsScientific Observations

Can you think of an example of a scientific observation?

Take another look. Take another look. Is this observation casual or Is this observation casual or scientific? scientific?

© Gene J. Puskar/AP Images

KEY QUESTIONSKEY QUESTIONS

Here are some factors:Here are some factors:

Location Duration Time of year Time of day Experience Knowledge Tools Timing

Can you think of any others?

© David Cappaert;

© Tim Layman/National Geographic Images;

© Greg Marshall/National Geographic Society Remote Imaging

KEY QUESTIONSKEY QUESTIONS

Scientists use multiple techniques to Scientists use multiple techniques to record their observations.record their observations.

Describe it Draw it Graph it Map it Photograph it Videotape it Audiotape it

Shown: Research on emperor penguin feeding behaviors. Data and images collected in Antarctica by Paul Ponganis and Greg Marshall.

Next, observations are interpreted.Next, observations are interpreted.

What can be learned from the graph? What do the images reveal?

© Greg Marshall/National Geographic Society Remote Imaging

Now Try AgainNow Try Again

What do you notice about your What do you notice about your

environment?environment?

Practice making and recording

scientific observations!

What did you observe?

What senses did you use?

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Did factors such as time, location, tools, or knowledge impact your observations?

© David Doubilet/National Geographic Images