Observational skills

Neil Degrasse Tyson - coming to your senses

Science Skill: Observations & Inferences

Observations refer to noting a fact or occurrence by using our five senses. We make observations by using our sight, smell, touch, taste and our ability to hear.

Qualitative and Quantitative Observations: In science observations can be qualitative or quantitative. Qualitative observations describe the quality of an object, such as an objects color, shape, and size. Quantitative observations measures the amount of an object, such as weight or height.

Inferences are explanations or interpretations of what you are observing. They are statements that explain what you are observing.

Observation Lab: Candle Flame

Students are to make qualitative and quantitative observations of a phenomena.

The observation activity consists of three parts.

Before: Using your senses (except for taste), make as many observations as you can of a candle before it is ignited.
During: Once the candle is ignited, make any new observations.
After: When candle gets close to the bottom, gently blow out the candle and make any new observations.

Lecture One: The Chemical History of a Candle - The Sources of its Flame

Bill Hammack presents Lecture One of Michael Faraday’s lectures on The Chemical History of a Candle. In these lectures Michael Faraday’s careful examination of a burning candle reveals the fundamental concepts of chemistry, while at the same time superbly demonstrating the scientific method. In this lecture Faraday focuses on the physical changes occurring in the candle, for example, how the wax moves from the candle into the flame.

ScienceCasts (NASA): Strange Flames on the International Space Station

Researchers experimenting with flames on board the International Space Station have produced a strange, cool-burning form of fire that could help improve the efficiency of auto engines.

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