Observation

Observation is one of the most important skills in science. It means using your senses to carefully watch, listen, and notice things. Scientists observe the world around them to ask questions and find patterns. Many of the greatest scientific discoveries started with someone simply paying attention to something unusual.

Qualitative and Quantitative Observations

There are two types of observations. Qualitative observations describe qualities using words, like the flower is red or the rock is rough. Quantitative observations use numbers and measurements, like the plant is 12 inches tall or the temperature is 72 degrees. Both types are important in science.

Great Observations in Science

Many breakthroughs came from careful observation. Charles Darwin observed differences in finch beaks on different islands. Alexander Fleming observed mold killing bacteria. Galileo observed that Jupiter had moons through his telescope. Good observation skills can lead to amazing discoveries.

Fun Facts

• Jane Goodall spent over 60 years observing chimpanzees in Africa and changed what we know about them.
• Some astronomical observations must be made over decades to track slow changes in stars.
• Your brain filters out most of what you see and hear. Scientists train themselves to notice what others miss.

Did You Know?

In 1928, Alexander Fleming went on vacation and left a petri dish of bacteria uncovered in his lab. When he came back, he observed that mold had grown on the dish and killed the bacteria around it. This simple observation led to the discovery of penicillin, one of the most important medicines ever, which has saved millions of lives!