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Scientific Observations

Scientific Observations. Sketching and describing. To observe means to…. look for a while (slow down, be patient) use all of your senses notice details AND keep a record of what you see! Written descriptions Sketches. Why is it important to keep a written record in science?.

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Scientific Observations

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  1. Scientific Observations Sketching and describing

  2. To observe means to… • look for a while (slow down, be patient) • use all of your senses • notice details AND keep a record of what you see! • Written descriptions • Sketches

  3. Why is it important to keep a written record in science? • You will forget details! • A written record can last for a very long time • A written record can be used by others

  4. A quick memory test http://www.exploratorium.edu/exhibits/common_cents/ Please… • Do not share your choice out loud • Do not look at a real penny

  5. Long-Term Memory • Stores information that you remember for days or years • Memories form after multiple reinforcements (your Mom’s birthday, your telephone number) • Things important to you (your first kiss, which foods taste bad, where you live, how to tell a penny from a dime) • Details are usually not stored in long-term memory

  6. Front Back Description: Take a full 4 minutes to draw and describe a penny using long-term memory.

  7. Short-Term (Working) Memory • Information remembered for about 18 seconds, then starts to fade • Other people’s names, phone numbers • What you ate for dinner two days ago • Details that are not very important (like what is on a penny)

  8. Front Back Description: Look at a penny for 1 minute and then put it out of sight. Take a full 4 minutes to draw and describe a penny using short-term memory.

  9. Direct, Continuous Observation • Information recorded as it is observed • Details are carefully written down and/or sketched • Much more accurate than memory!

  10. Front Back Description: Now, observe a penny. Keep it out in front of you as you draw and describe it. Take a full 5 minutes to draw and describe a penny using observation.

  11. Compare your sketches/descriptions • With a partner, compare your three sketches/descriptions • Answer in your notes and be prepared to share: • What was easy to remember? • What did you forget even after looking at a penny? • Why do scientists write down observations while they are observing, rather than using their memory?

  12. When observing as a scientist … • Write down what you see as soon as you see it • Record what you see clearly and accurately (so you can remember and so others can understand what you saw) • Use sketches as well as written descriptions

  13. So, were you right? http://www.exploratorium.edu/exhibits/common_cents/

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