STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) STEM Skills- Science Focus Volume 1I Observation Skills

Observation Skills

Observation skills in Science refer to the ability to gather information through careful and systematic observation of natural phenomena, experiments, or data. These skills involve using the senses (such as sight, hearing, touch, and smell) as well as scientific instruments to collect accurate and relevant information.

Observation skills in are your ticket to a heart-pounding adventure through the mysterious realms of discovery! Think of yourself as a daring detective, equipped with special spy gear and a nose for clues. Picture using your super-charged binoculars (or maybe just a magnifying glass) to zoom in on every little secret hiding in plain sight!

Whether you are sneaking around the backyard, spying on bugs, or peering through a microscope in the lab, honing your observation skills transforms you into a super sleuth uncovering the most amazing mysteries of nature. Get ready to don your detective hat and dive headfirst into an electrifying journey of exploration and wonder!

Let us dive into a fun experiment that showcases the power of observation skills: The classic colourful and mesmerizing "Walking Water" experiment. It is a fantastic way to not only observe but also understand capillary action and colour mixing!

Materials:

• Three clear glasses or jars
• Water
• Food colouring (at least two colours)
• Paper towels
• Optional: a tray or shallow dish to contain any spills

Procedure:

1.??? Arrange the glasses in a row on a flat surface.

2.??? Fill the first and third glasses with water.

3.??? Add a different colour of food colouring to each glass of water, stirring gently to mix.

4.??? Fold a few paper towels into long strips, about 1 inch wide.

5.??? Place one end of a paper towel strip into the glass with coloured water and the other end into the empty middle glass. Repeat with another paper towel strip, connecting the second and third glasses.

6.??? Now, observe and wait! As time passes, you will notice the coloured water slowly traveling up the paper towel strips and "walking" into the middle glass. Over time, the colours from the outer glasses will mix in the middle glass, creating new colours!

Observation Skills at Play:

• Close Observation: Kids can watch closely as the coloured water moves up the paper towels, noting the speed and direction of the movement.
• Identifying Patterns: They might notice that the water climbs the paper towel due to capillary action, a process where water molecules are drawn upward through small gaps in the paper towel fibers.
• Colour Mixing: As the coloured water travels from the outer glasses to the middle one, kids can observe how the colours blend and mix, creating new hues in the process.
• Predicting and Explaining: Encourage kids to make predictions about what will happen as the experiment progresses and to explain the scientific principles behind the phenomenon they observe.

This visually stunning experiment not only engages kids' senses but also encourages them to think critically and develop a deeper understanding of concepts like capillary action and colour mixing. It is Science in action, right before their eyes!

Here are why observation skills are so awesome:

1.??? Adventure Awaits: Every day is an adventure when you have sharp observation skills. You never know what fascinating things you might discover when you start looking closely at the world around you.

2.??? Be a Detective: Just like Sherlock Holmes or Nancy Drew, observation skills turn you into a super sleuth! You will notice things others might miss and solve mysteries with ease.

3.??? Discover New Worlds: From the tiniest insect in your backyard to the wonders of the night sky, observation skills let you explore worlds you never knew existed. Who knows? You might even find a new species of bug or a distant galaxy.

4.??? Unleash Your Creativity: Observing the world with a curious eye can spark your imagination and inspire you to create amazing things. Maybe you will write a story about the adventures of a brave explorer or paint a masterpiece inspired by the colours of the sunset.

5.??? Make Learning Fun: Observation skills make learning an exciting journey of discovery. Whether you are exploring science experiments, solving puzzles, or observing nature, every observation is a chance to learn something new and fascinating.

So, put on your explorer hat, grab your magnifying glass, and get ready for an epic adventure of observation and discovery! With observation skills by your side, there is no limit to the wonders you can uncover and the adventures you can embark on!