How to Teach Kids to Make Science Observations

Teaching kids to make science observations is important to do as early as possible. Making complete and accurate observations about nature, behavior and the sciences is central to a student's ability to pass their science courses. Fortunately, there are many activities that you can use to help students learn how to make quality scientific observations.

Activity #1 - Classroom Hide-and-Seek

The first activity is a good one for young students. In this activity items will be placed around the classroom. The items will vary depending on what the class is learning about. Next to each item will be a letter. Students will be given a worksheet that is broken up into boxes. The student will be given a specific amount of time to find the lettered items and to make their observations in the appropriate box. For students that cannot read and write yet, they can draw a picture of the object. Older students can include both a drawing and a written description of the item.

Activity #2 - Collecting Data on Classmates

In this activity students will be learning how to make scientific observations about living populations. The population that they will be studying is the students in their science class. Each student will be required to walk around the classroom and to make observations about the eye and hair colors of their classmates. In this activity students will be allowed to collect data and to make observations using ther own system. After the activity has been completed students will share their findings.

Activity #3 - Measurement Activities

Taking measurements in the field and in a laboratory setting is a skill that students need to master early on. Measurement activities can be both educational and fun. For example, students can be give various measuring tools and ask to describe various things using the correct measuring tool. Teachers can present their students with things that can have their weight, dimensions and volume measured and described. They can also provide objects that can have their temperature, speed or force measured.

Activity #4 - Under the Microscope

While many scientific observations can be made with the naked eye, some observations will need to be made using microscopes. Students can be taught to make scientific observations using a microscope by having them view prepared slides. The student can then draw, measure and describe the specimen or specimens under the microscope. Younger students can be given simple slides to describe, while older students can be given slides that contain more advanced organisms.

Conclusion

Teaching kids to make science observations can be a lot of fun. Teachers can work these learning activities into their existing lesson plans and curriculum, or they can develop all new activities and lesson plans. The point is to help students master the skills required for making quick and accurate scientific observations using a variety of tools and methodologies.

Written by :

Shimo