The Biology Spot : The Biology Classroom:

Unit 1: The Nature of Science and Scientific Methods

"Scientific Eyes" Practice

Introduction

Biology will cause you to look at the world from a variety of perspectives. One of the most valuable resources you will use throughout this year is your ability to see objects using a scientific eye. In order to develop this skill, you must make scientific observations on a daily basis. In today's lab, you will get a chance to put your observation skills to the test as you observe your fingerprint, a crime scene, and a fellow classmate.

Part I. Your fingerprint is wanted

Materials

2 note cards

2 pieces of scotch tape

a pencil

 

Procedure

1) Draw a square about the size of your thumb on a piece of scrap paper.

2) Color the square in using your pencil.

3) Press right thumb hard onto the square you just made.

4) Cut off a piece of tape about the size of your thumb.

5) Place the piece of tape over your right thumb. Press on the tape to transfer your print onto the tape.

6) Take your piece of tape with your fingerprint and place it in the middle of the note card.

7) Repeat steps 1-6 to make another fingerprint of your right thumb on a different note card.

Results

1) Describe your fingerprint in words.

 

 

Conclusion Questions

1) Did you correctly identify your fingerprint? Explain why the process of finding your fingerprint was easy or difficult.

 

2) What could you have done to improve your original observations to make finding your fingerprint easier?

 

3) What is distinctive about your fingerprint?

Part II. Crime scene Observation

Materials

-picture of the crime scene

-pencil

Procedure

1) Study the crime scene picture carefully for 3 minutes then turn the picture over. Make mental observations.

Results

1) Answer the questions on a separate sheet of paper

Conclusion

1) Was it more difficult to make "mental observations" with the crime scene exercise or "written observations" with your fingerprint?

Discuss the "pros" and "cons" of these two types of observations.

Part III. A Change in Identity

Materials

2 individuals

Procedure

1) Pair up with one other person in class. Face each other and make careful observations about each other's personal appearances.

2) Have one partner leave the room and the other person stay in the room.

3) While your partner and you are separated, make 3-5 subtle changes about your appearance.

4) Pair up with your partner again. Try to write down the 5 changes your partner made to his or hers appearance.

Results

1) Write down 3 to 5 changes your partner made.

 

 

2) Write down the actual changes your partner made if they are different from above.

 

Conclusion questions

1) List 5 rules you think you should follow when making scientific observations.

2) Why are observations important in biology or any other science?

Making Scientific Observations

Some useful guidelines

1) Be specific.

-Try to make both qualitative and quantitative observations.

 

2 types of observations
1) Qualitative
· based directly on observations made by the senses
· no numbers are involved
· examples: color, texture, shape, odor, etc.
2) Quantitative
· based on exact numbers made by instruments
· examples: length, mass, density, etc.

2) Use all your senses. ( if possible)

3) Make no assumptions.

4) Compare observations.

-Look for patterns.

-Look for similarities and differences.

 

5) Observe a large sample.

 

Comments or questions can be sent by e-mail to Moore Biology.