Throughout the ages, people have always told us as individuals to look at things all the time. For example, look at the clouds, the color of the shapes, the mess you made, or the person way over there. In a science classroom the method of “looking at things” is known as Observing. According to the text Observing is defined as “using the senses to obtain information, or data, about objects and events.” (32) Unfortunately looking is not the same as observing. While in a classroom a teacher is casually watching two students interacting, however, is not the same as the type of observation used in science. According to Santrock scientific observation requires “knowing what you are looking for, conducting observations in an unbiased manner, accurately recording and categorizing what you see, and effectively communicating your observations.’ ( Santock 15)
During experimental activities students can record their observations in an organized manner by taking detailed notes, video recording, timing, and use computers which will make observations more accurate, reliable, and efficient. For example, in any experimental activities a student can participate in the lesson by observing what’s happening. Then proceed to take detailed notes on what she or he has viewed. Based on the length of the experimental activities a student who is assigned as the observer will probably be making these observations and note taking over a period of days or weeks while also looking for patterns in the observations. As an observer it’s essential to have accurate, reliable, and efficient observations because it can lead to a “foundation for making inferences or hypotheses that can be tested by further investigations and observations.” (32)
Based on the inquiry process skills used to create explanations observations is an essential part when making inferences. According to the text, Inferring is defined as “using logic to make assumptions from data collected. The ability to distinguish between an observation and an inference is fundamental to clear thinking.” (35) During the observation stage a student is observing what’s happening during the experiment. Furthermore, while observing and taking the notes the student is also using their senses when making these observations. In connection to the student’s observation the students inferring or making an “assumption based on an observation.” (35).
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The following example being presented in the text is “consider the observation that butterflies are often found on flowering plants. One might infer that butterflies use the flowers as a source of food.” (35) As a result, by assuming the student is making an inference from the information being observed. Lastly, inferring allows the teacher to assess everything a student learns during the experimental activities. According to Santrock, a teacher’s assessment of a student “will necessarily be a sample of the student’s learning. The most important source of information for validity in your classroom.” (Santrock 553). Overall, as a teacher it’s essential to have validity in your classroom because it
Furthermore, based on the inquiry process skills used to create explanations observations is an essential part when making inferences which connects to hypothesizing. A hypothesis is defined as a “proposed relationship put forth to explain a phenomenon.” (35). Previously presented was an example regarding butterflies and what flower may they be found on. According to the text, “one might hypothesize that butterflies prefer yellow flowers. The prediction is the basis for an experiment.” (35) As a result, a predication is based on a hypothesis. Regarding the example the prediction based on the hypothesis would be “that if butterflies are presented with yellow flowers and white flowers, then the butterflies would land on the yellow flowers.” (35).
As a result, the student can make the connection with the two relationships being proposed. The two relationships proposed during this example is focusing on the butterflies and both the white and yellow flowers. In conclusion the student can make a hypothesis that “butterflies prefer yellow flowers.” (35) based on previous information that was collected when conducting observations as well as making inferences during the activity. According to Santrock hypotheses are “specific assumptions and predictions that can be tested to determine their accuracy. “(299). “Overall while participating in these experimental activities students can benefit positively from the practice of hypothesis testing in order to determine what a concept is and is not based on previous observations and through experimentation.
References
- National Geographic – Scientific Observation
- National Center for Biotechnology Information – Introduction to Scientific Observations
- Science Magazine – Observation versus inference
- ASCD – A Brief History of Observation and Inference
- American Psychological Association – Observational Science and Psychological Research
