Materials: Ruler, Measuring Tape, Balance, Mass Cubes, Spring Scale, Hand Lens

Making Observations Lab

Materials: ruler, measuring tape, balance, mass cubes, spring scale, hand lens,

1 piece of clay

Procedures: (Write you observation statements in your Science Notebook)

1. Use your sense of HEARING. Drop the piece of clay on the table. Repeat. Record statements describing what you observed.

2. Open up the plastic wrap but don’t remove it from the clay.

3. Use your sense of SMELL to observe the clay. Record statements describing what you observed.

4. Use your sense of SIGHT to observe at least three properties of the clay. Record statements describing what you observed.

5. Use the tools on the tray to make at least three other observations. Record statements describing specific information you measured.

6. Remove the clay from the wrapping. Use your sense of TOUCH to observe at least three properties of the clay. Record descriptions of what you observed.

Questions:

1. Which of the senses was best for making observations about the clay?

Explain your answer.

2. Is the sense listed above always the best one to use? Why or why

not? Given reasons to support what you think.

3. Explain why using tools to make observations is useful to scientists.

4. Based on your observations, write at least three new questions you could ask about

the clay.

Background Information: One of the most important skills in science is that of OBSERVATION. Most of the time we think of observation as something we do with our eyes; when we see something, we observe it. However, all five of our senses can be used to make observations: sight, hearing, touch, smell, and taste. Observations using our five senses to identify and describe an object’s properties or characteristics are called qualitative observations. Remember, never taste anything or put anything in your mouth without permission! Scientists also use tools such as a hand lens, a ruler, a balance, a thermometer or a graduated cylinder to help them make more precise or specific observations. Observations made using measurement tools that involve a number or quantity are called quantitative measurements.