August 17, 2010

• Objective: TSWBAT classify observations as qualitative

or quantitative. (6-1.2)

• Essential Question: How can I determine if an

observation is qualitative or quantitative?

• Falcon Focus: In two sentences describe what the word

“science” means to you.

• HW: At home make 5 observations. Classify them as

qualitative or quantitative. What do your observations
tell you about the world around you?
 Notebook
• 5 tabs
– Tab 1 : Falcon Focus
– Tab 2 : Notes
– Tab 3 : Labs
– Tab 4 : Vocabulary
– Tab 5 : Graded Work (Tests and Quizzes)
 Notes
• Each day you will be expected to take notes on
what we learn in class.
• You should have the following on each page of
notes.
– Date in the top right hand corner
– Essential Question on Top of Page
 Observations

Essential Question: How can I

determine if an observation is
qualitative or quantitative?
 Word Parts
• Ante (before)
• Anti (against)
• Bi / Bin (two)
• Circum (around)
• Con / Com (with or together)

• Please put these in the vocabulary section of

your notes.
 Vocabulary
• Observation – a statement that describes an
object or event using your five senses
• Qualitative – an observation that describes
the color, shape, texture, taste, sound, etc.
• Quantitative – an observation that uses
numbers (length, width, height, mass, etc) or
compares (greater than, less than)
 Observations
• Observations use your five senses to describe
the world around you.
– They describe only what you see directly.
Sometimes you see something happen and you
can guess why, but unless you actually see it
happen it’s not an observation.
 Qualitative Observation
• An observation that does NOT involve
numbers
 Quantitative Observation
• Uses numbers or comparisons
 FACTS vs. OPINIONS
• We can make two kinds of observations:
FACTS and OPINIONS
– Facts are things that are true for everyone.
– Opinions may be true for only a few people and
are based on personal preference.

• Good scientific observations are based on

facts.
 Why are observations important in
science?
• Brainstorm – what do you think?
 Practice
• Using the object that you have been given
practice making factual observations.
– Write down 3 quantitative and 3 qualitative
observations on a slip of paper.
 Closure
• How do you feel about observations?
– Thumbs up – feel good, no questions
– Thumbs sideways – mostly understand, might
have a few questions
– Thumbs down – don’t understand, has lots of
questions