ACARA v9 CONTENT DESCRIPTION “make and record observations, including informal measurements, using digital tools as appropriate”
Builds on noticing and wondering about the world. Here we slow down and look closely, then we write down or take a photo of what we see, so we do not forget. We even measure things using our hands and cups, and let a tablet help us keep a careful record.
Look closely, then write it down
To observe means to look really closely and notice what is there. But our memory can let us down. If we count the birds at the feeder and do not write it down, by tomorrow we forget. So we record what we see. We can write a number, draw a picture, or take a photo on a tablet. A record keeps the observation safe so we can look back later.
Record what you count, then see the pattern
Each day we counted the birds at the feeder and wrote the number down. Switch between the table and the bar chart to see the same records two ways.
The table keeps every count safe. In the bar chart the tall bars jump out, so we can see Thursday had the most birds. Recording the numbers each day let us spot that.
Measure with your hands and cups
We do not always need a ruler. We can measure with everyday things. How many hands long is the desk? How many cups of water fill the bottle? These are called informal measurements. The trick is to use the same hand or the same cup every time, so the numbers can be compared fairly. We write each number down as we go.
Informal measurements: how many hands long?
We measured four things in our room using our own hand as the ruler. We recorded how many hands long each one was. Switch views to compare them.
Using the same hand each time, the desk is 8 hands long and the pencil is 1. Hands are not as exact as a ruler, but they still let us compare and record real measurements.
Check your records for a slip
Sometimes a measurement gets written down wrong, or we slip when we count. A good observer looks back at the records. We poured cups of water into bottles that got bigger and bigger, so each bottle should take more cups than the one before. If one record does not fit that rising pattern, it is worth measuring again to check.
Find the record to check again
We filled five bottles, each bigger than the last, and recorded how many cups of water each one held. One record does not fit the steady rise. Click the one to check again.
Click the point that does not fit the pattern of the others.
Careful observations, not just feelings
A careful observation tells what we saw, counted or measured. It is not the same as how we feel about something. "The plant grew 3 cups of water this week" is a careful record. "The plant is the nicest" is a feeling. Both are fine, but only careful observations help us answer questions and compare. Sort each note into the records we can really use.
Which notes are careful observations?
We are keeping a record of our class plant. Decide which notes are careful observations we can use, and which are just feelings or guesses.
Claim: These notes are careful observations we recorded about our class plant.
On Monday the plant was 6 cubes tall, and on Friday it was 9 cubes tall.
We gave the plant 3 cups of water this week and wrote it on the chart.
I think the plant is the prettiest plant in the whole world.
We took a photo on the tablet each day to see the leaves grow.
My friend guessed the plant might turn into a tree by tomorrow.
Decide whether each statement is evidence for the claim, or not.
Why this matters
Looking closely and writing it down is the start of all science. When we record what we observe, measure with our hands and cups, and use a tablet to take photos, we keep careful records we can trust. Later we can look back, compare, and answer our questions. Scientists everywhere begin the very same way.
Quick self-check
1. What does it mean to observe something?
2. You count how many snails you find in the garden each day. Why do you write the numbers down?
3. You measure the desk in hands. It is "8 hands long." This is an informal measurement because...
4. A tablet or computer can help you observe by...
5. Which is a careful observation, not just an opinion?