A Microscope a Telescope (With Camera Attached)

1.3 OBSERVING

Observing and measuring are important processes in science. They are part of the scientific method. Observation simply means examining something carefully. We want to see exactly what it looks like, or exactly what is happening. Sometimes we also want to know what it sounds like, or feels like, or smells like or tastes like. Good observation means using all the ways we can to examine something.

Using instruments. We can often improve our observations by using instruments. Some instruments are used to make measurements. We can measure things such as length, or temperature or force. Measuring makes our observations more accurate. You will learn more about measurement in the following sections.

Other instruments may help us to observe better. A simple hand lens (magnifying glass) makes small things look bigger so we can see them more clearly. A microscope is even better; it can make very tiny things look hundreds (or even thousands) of times bigger! You will learn to use a microscope later. Astronomers use telescopes to make the stars and planets look much closer.

A microscope A telescope (with camera attached)

Making records. In science, we always make an accurate record of what we observe. We do this by writing and sometimes by drawing. This helps to make sure we do not forget any details. It also allows others to check what we have done. Good observations should be exactly the same, whoever makes them! Science can help us to understand the world around us only if our observations are reliable.

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·  1. What does observation mean? Which of your senses can you use for observing things? Which do you use most?

·  2. What different instruments do you know for measuring length? What about volume, time and temperature?

·  3. What instruments would you choose for observing (i) the leg of an ant, (ii) the moon, (iii) a tiny grain of pollen?

·  4. Give two reasons why scientists should always record their observation.

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