ACARA v9 CONTENT DESCRIPTION “make and record observations, including informal measurements, using digital tools as appropriate”
Builds on looking closely and writing down what we see. This time we watch a bean plant grow for a month. Each week we measure how tall it is using stacking blocks, write the number on our chart, and take a photo on a tablet. Our records let us see the plant grow.
Measure with blocks, then record the number
We do not always need a ruler to measure. We can stack blocks next to the plant and count how many blocks tall it is. This is called an informal measurement. The trick is to use the same blocks every week, so the numbers can be compared fairly. Each week we write the number down, because if we only try to remember, by next week we forget.
Record the height each week, then see it grow
Each week we stacked blocks next to the bean plant and recorded how many blocks tall it was. Switch between the table and the bar chart to see the same records two ways.
The table keeps every week safe. In the bar chart the bars get taller, so we can see the plant grew week after week. Recording with the same blocks each time let us spot that.
Count carefully and write each number down
Observing is not only about measuring. We can also count. One day we counted how many times each friend could jump rope in one minute. Counting is a careful observation when we write the number down right away. A tablet helps too: we can film the jumps and count them again to make sure we did not miss any.
Count the jumps, then compare them
In one minute we counted how many rope jumps four friends did, and recorded each number. Switch views to compare them.
Writing each count down lets us compare fairly. Ben did the most jumps and Cy the fewest. Without the records we could only guess who jumped the most.
Check your records for a slip
Sometimes a number gets written down wrong, or we slip when we count. A good observer looks back at the records. The bean plant grew a little more each week, so each height should be bigger than the week before. If one record does not fit that rising pattern, it is worth measuring again to check.
Find the record to measure again
We recorded the plant height in blocks for five weeks. The plant grew steadily, so each week should be taller than the last. 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 from 2 blocks to 9 blocks" is a careful record. "The plant is the best plant ever" 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 bean plant and our jumping. 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 plant and our jumps.
In Week 1 the plant was 2 blocks tall, and in Week 4 it was 9 blocks tall.
We took a photo on the tablet each week to see the leaves grow.
I think this is the most amazing plant in the whole school.
In one minute Ben did 12 jumps, and we wrote it on the chart.
My friend guessed the plant might reach the roof by next week.
Decide whether each statement is evidence for the claim, or not.
Why this matters
Looking closely, measuring and writing it down is the start of all science. When we measure with blocks, count carefully, and use a tablet to take photos, we keep records we can trust. Later we can look back, compare each week, and answer our questions. Scientists everywhere begin the very same way.
Quick self-check
1. You measure how tall the bean plant is each week using stacking blocks. This is an informal measurement because...
2. Why do you write the height down every week instead of just remembering it?
3. To keep your block measurements fair every week, you should...
4. A tablet can help you observe the growing plant by...
5. Which is a careful observation you can record, not just a feeling?