Observation & Measurement
Observation, properties, & change
Focus question: How are observations used?
What are some observable properties?
How do we observe change?
What properties can change?
What properties can stay the same?
Are there properties that are more stable than others? If so what and how.
How are different changes similar?
Under what situtations are results similar?
Under what situtations might results be different?
Hints:
- We observe objects and their properties.
- We identify objects from their properties and lack of properties.
- Measurement is an observation.
- Some properties change.
- When properties change there is an implied cause and effect.
- Cause and effect are used to create explanations.
Properties include:
Size:
- inch
- foot
- yard
- cm
- m
- km
Volume:
- fl. oz.
- pint
- quart
- gallon
- ml
- l
Mass / Weight:
- oz.
- pounds
- g
- kg.
State of Matter:
- solid
- liquid
- gas
- plasma
Temperature:
- F
- C
Smell
Texture
Shape
Measurement as an observation
Focus question: How is measurement used to make accurate observations to collect and record reliable data?
Procedure to measure.
Determine the property you want to observe in your experiment.
- Length (size)
- Amount mass, area, volume
- Shape
- Temperature
Decide a unit of measurement for the specific property.
- Length: millimeter (less than 1 cm) centimeter (1 cm - 99 cm), meter (more than 100 cm), kilometer (more than 1000 m) , inches (1-11"), feet (more than 12"), yard, mile ...
- Amount: grams (1-999 g), kilograms (1000 g), ml (1-99 ml), l (100 ml), cm2, m2, hecter, cubic centimeters, cubic meters, ounces (1-15 oz), pounds (16 oz), acre,
- Shape: 2-D (triangle, square, ...), 3-D (cube, sphere, ...)
- Temperature: Fahrenheit, Celcius
Select an instrument to measure the specific property
- Rulers (count spaces) tape measure meter sticks
- Balance, scale
- Measuring cup, graduated cylinder
- Thermometer look at it level and round to nearest degree
Record your data: List, chart, pictograph, bar graphs, circle graphs, written, line graphs
Review
Measure twice,
Ask, Can someone else understand it?
Is it clearly marked?
Does it accurately show my results?
Ask others to review your process.
Continue with investigation.