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OBSERVATION NARRATIVES Making Quality Observations Adapted from AVID Good observations are the key to good science. They allow us to describe a process or substance that you can sense through, sight, taste, touch, sound and smell. To make a good observation you must record the smallest details. There are two Basic types of observation: 1. Quantitative observations include measuring and numbers. (think “n” for number) 2 Qualitative observations descriptions of events, subjects, and qualities. Two other ways to look at observations are: 1. Direct observations—when you use our senses: sight, sound, touch, taste, hearing. 2. Indirect observations — when we use instruments: ruler, telescope, microscope, scale. Good observations help you interpret the results of experiment. An observation is what you observe. An interpretation is what your observations might mean. During Thanksgiving you walk into a friends house and smell apples and cinnamon and you suddenly start thinking from the smell that you are having apple pie for dessert, instead it was an “apple pie” candle that caused the smell. So observations are only part of the interpreting process. OBSERVATION You will be doing several observations over the next week Observe the object or scene assigned to you. Make as many high quality observations as you can in the time allotted. Do not worry about your grammar or spelling. Procedure: 1. Make a T-chart on the on the right sheet—where you would take Cornell Notes. 2. Label the left side of the T– chart OBSERVATIONS. 3. Record as many detailed observations as you can. Use descriptive words. 4. Label the right side of the T-chart INTERPRETATIONS. 5. Explain what at least five of your observations on the left side might mean. Write the explanation across from the observation on the right side of the chart. 6. In the summary section at the bottom of the page write a report on the object/scene you observed and what the observations might mean about the object. Avoid the word “I”. |
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Observations Interpretations |
