Observation - Learning to see
Observation - Learning to see
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Observation: What does this mean?
Observation: What does this mean?
Definition: the action or process of closely observing or monitoring something or someone.
Definition: the action or process of closely observing or monitoring something or someone.
In this activity, you will find out the importance of observation in science. You will be given the opportunity to observe an image of a native frog (Maud Island Frog) and record your observations.
By the end of this activity, you should be able to:
- appreciate the importance of observation (the act of noting and recording something) rather than merely looking or seeing
- explain why good observation skills are important for scientists
- discuss important features of one of our native frogs and make inferences from your observations and background knowledge.
What to do:
What to do:
- Look closely at the image of the Maud Island Frog. Carefully observe the image and make a list of your observations.
2. Watch the video clip : Observation in Science.
- What senses help to make good observations?
- Why do you think observation is an important skill for scientists?
- What other methods do scientists use to collect information about animals?
- What is the difference between an everyday observation and a scientific observation?
- How does a scientist's background knowledge about an animal help them to make better observations?
3. Look at the image of the Maud Island Frog for a second time and make further observations, focusing on:
- Did you make any further observations?
- Did you change any of your initial observations?
- Did your research help you to make more informed observations? Why? Why not?
- How would this activity be different if we were observing a live frog?
- How do you think you could improve your observation skills?
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