Observation as Powerful Tool

Three authors discuss the power of observation. Karen Anderson is a professor in the education department of a college in Massachusetts, Dean Martin is an elementary school science speciali... See More

Three authors discuss the power of observation. Karen Anderson is a professor in the education department of a college in Massachusetts, Dean Martin is an elementary school science specialist teaching in Boston and Ellen Faszewski is an assistant professor of biology at a college in Boston. The article coalesces the experience of all three as it relates to stimulating the inquiry skills of students in K - 2. The article points out that observation is the cornerstone of inquiry. The authors encourage teachers to challenge their young students to use their five senses to make detailed observations, and to collect and organize information. The first activity suggested is to train the students to use their observational skills in the classroom they are sitting in. Using the classroom, a teacher can guide students to make note of observations, such as, the number of light fixtures, rather than opinion, such as a comment that the light fixture is ugly. The purpose of the observation is to collect scientific data. The next activity suggested by the article is for students to examine a set of seashells, choose one, and to record as many observations about the seashell as possible. During this activity, the role of the teacher is to pose questions to guide the students about the observations they are recording on index cards. The teacher then switches which group has which tray, with the instruction to match the index card containing a description with the shell. The authors provide an Assessment Checklist and Rubric. The authors provide additional ideas to expand on the concept of using seashells to record observations and recommend that students be given multiple opportunities to develop the skills which lay the groundwork for future scientific learning. The article is a helpful guide for teaching observation skills in the K -2 grades and can be modified for older elementary grades as well.

Super Powers of Observation

Young children are eager to explore the world around them. The authors of Unlocking the Power of Observation do an excellent job of sharing their successes in building inquiry skills.... See More

Young children are eager to explore the world around them. The authors of Unlocking the Power of Observation do an excellent job of sharing their successes in building inquiry skills. Their plan began with goal setting and ended with children developing skill in observation and communication. The young learners explored shells with such depth that other students could identify the shells by their written observations. The game factor of trying to match the shell with the observation card would encourage students to use precise details. The rubric included with the article would be very easy to adapt to any observation lab experience. I found the teacher directed questions to be thought provoking for the students. The Primary process skills were further developed by introducing scientific tools for the exploration. I could see this experience being used with a variety of objects. I am thinking about fall leaves, squash, and various cones. This is an excellent resource.