1 of 14

2 of 14

Think-Pair-Share

©2023 Nature Collective 2

With a partner, discuss what makes someone a good observer.

3 of 14

Consider

©2023 Nature Collective 3

  • What does it mean to observe?
  • Who do you know that is good a observer? Share why you think this.

4 of 14

Observation

©2023 Nature Collective 4

Something you notice with one of your senses.

​

Senses

Can you name all five?

5 of 14

Five Senses

©2023 Nature Collective 5

  1. See
  2. Smell
  3. Hear
  4. Taste
  5. Touch

6 of 14

Observation Practice

©2023 Nature Collective 6

​

At your table, observe the object(s) placed in front of you. Talk to your partner/group about what you notice.

​

Record 3-5 observations in your scientific notebook.

7 of 14

©2023 Nature Collective 7

An observation is … something you notice with one of your senses.

Review

8 of 14

©2023 Nature Collective 8

An observation is NOT …

  1. Something you already knew
  2. An opinion
  3. A guess

Review

9 of 14

©2023 Nature Collective 9

With a partner, discuss which statements on the next slide are observations and which are not observations.

​

Explain your answer.

Understanding Check

10 of 14

Scientific Observation or Not?

©2023 Nature Collective 10

  1. I notice this is a leaf.
  2. I notice black dots on the leaf.
  3. I notice the leaf is gross.
  4. I notice the leaf has sharp edges.
  5. I notice a caterpillar ate my leaf.
  6. I notice the leaf smells like dirt.

11 of 14

Check Your Answers

©2023 Nature Collective 11

  1. I notice this is a leaf.

Not an observation – something you already knew

  1. I notice black dots on the leaf.

Yes this is an observation!

  1. I notice the leaf is gross.

Not an observation – this is an opinion

12 of 14

Check Your Answers

©2023 Nature Collective 12

  1. I notice the leaf has sharp edges.

Yes this is an observation!

  1. I notice a caterpillar ate my leaf.

Not an observation – this is a guess

  1. I notice the leaf smells like dirt.

Yes this is an observation!

13 of 14

Observation Practice

©2023 Nature Collective 13

Go back to your scientific notebook.

Discuss which ones are observations and

which ones are not observations.

​

Circle the observations in your scientific notebook.

14 of 14

About Nature Collective

©2023 Nature Collective 14

We provide experiences that connect people to nature and drive a curiosity for the living world.

We believe that if we help people discover a passion for nature, they will want to protect it and value everything it has to offer.