Observation and Recording

Skill Chapter 1

St. Stephen’s College F.3 Biology Mr. TsoSt. Stephen’s College F.3 Biology Mr. Tso

Observation and Recording Data

Hypothesis

Design

Results

Conclusion

Prediction

Performing

1. The Stages of Scientific Investigation

2. What is Observation?

To observe means to perceive something with the sense organs. Hence, observation includes:

Seeing with ;

Feeling with ;

Tasting with ;

Smelling with and

Hearing with .

eyes

skin

tongue

nose

ears

A. Qualitative observationThis describes a characteristic of anobject (such ascolour, shape, taste or odour).

B. Quantitative observationThis involves an amount(such as length, volume, mass or time)or counting.

3. Types of Observation

without measurement

measuring

A. for qualitative observationsAs no measurement is involved inqualitative observations, this kind ofobservations can be recorded with words or asshown in the example below:

4. Recording

non-numerical drawings

B. for quantitative observationsAs measurement is involved in quantitative observations, this kind of observations must be recorded in _ _ as shown in the examples below:

4. Recording

numbers with units

Measurement Instrument Unit Symbol of unit

Temperature thermometer degree Celsius C

Weight  milligram; gram;

kilogram 

Length  millimetre; centimetre;

metre; kilometre 

Small area

surface with regular shape

    

surface with irregular shape

 

Volume

solid object with regular shape

    

solid object with irregular shape

 

liquid     

Concentration of solution     

Time     

balance mg; g; kg

metre rule mm; cm; m; km

metre rule

graph paper

square millimetre; square centimetre; square metre

mm2; cm2; m2

metre rule

measuring cylinder

measuring cylinder

cubic centimetre; cubic metre

cm3; m3

millilitre; litre mL; L

balance+M.C. gram per cubic centimetre g/cm3

stop-watch / clock

second; minute; hour s; min;h