Monterey

  1. Scientists always start by making careful observations. Examining things closely sometimes leads people to wonder about them. This is the beginning of scientific investigations! Scientists may all notice different things, but it is important that what they record is based on real observations, rather than inferences or opinions. When we visit the exploratorium I want you to ask yourself, “What do I really see happening?”

    1. Watch video

    1. Write down or make mental notes of observations. Answer the question, What happened?

    2. Share observations with the class. Did some people notice the same things?

    3. Did some people notice different things?

    4. What aspects stood out to most of the students and why?

    5. What was it that made some students notice less obvious details?

    6. What senses could be used in making these observations?

    7. Rewind the video and watch it again.

    8. Did students come to any conclusions about the plot? Did some students come to different conclusions based on different observations?

    9. Are conclusions based on observations or inferences?

    10. How do observations differ from inferences?

    11. Is it possible for the entire class to watch the same movie scene but see different things?

    12. Is it important that people perceived things differently or noticed different details?

    13. Can you learn something about yourself from this experience?

    14. Can we learn anything from each other through this experience?

    15. If this were a scientific investigation, would the results of the class’s observations be reliable? Why or why not?