Observation resources

Task: Look for similarities and differences in fruit to answer questions about observation and evidence.

This practical task requires students to make observations and draw diagrams about diffusion that occurs when food colouring is added to water.

Task: Students differentiate between simple observations and inferences, and between observations that require measurement and those that do not. Assessment focus: observing scientifically.

Task: Dictate what is observed from viewing a video clip of a monarch butterfly emerging from a chrysalis (answering a specific question), and sequence some photographs in the correct order. Assessment focus: observing and describing.

This practical task requires students to use a plastic comb and wool to generate static electricity. Students investigate different materials to find those that are attracted to the static charge.

This practical task requires students to make observations of three different types of soils and record their observations in a chart.

For this practical task students investigate and report on what they noticed about a model river and how different sized materials are moved by the water.

For this practical students make observations about dissolving, and plan and carry out an investigation to find out what makes sugar dissolve more quickly.

For this practical task students are assessed on their ability to observe changes that have occurred to 'popping' corn before and after it is heated. Drawings and written observations are required.

This practical task requires students to describe to a partner their observations about an ice cube melting. Students then develop questions about what they observe.

This practical task requires students to make observations of the changes that occur in five common foods as they are cooked.

For this practical task students complete a table of observations for the following substances: vinegar, baking soda, and vinegar and baking soda mixed together.

For this practical task students follow a plan to determine the best temperature for the reaction of rennet with milk. Students need to make observations and write a report on their findings.

For this practical task students record their observations as an egg is poached in water.

For this practical task students are assessed on their ability to record their observations of the decomposition of a cut slice of pumpkin over a two week time period.

Task: Create, use and identify ‘rules’ based on observable and/or measurable physical properties of common plastics. Assessment focus: classifying & identifying.

Students complete a plant record for a tree by making observations.

For this practical task students investigate water (and dye) movement in a plant when the stem of a daisy is cut lengthwise into three sections. Students record their observations and then explain their results in a scientific way. Key words have been provided.

For this practical task students are given a variety of objects which they are required to make observations on by using their senses.

Task: Match insects to their adaptations for protection against enemies, and infer two ways stick insects are adapted for their protection against predators. Assessment focus: using observations to make suggestions about survival methods.

Students use pictures of different types of parakeets to identify distinguishing features. NOTE: This resource needs to be used in colour.

For this task students are provided with photographs of four different types of weta. Students are asked to give two features that weta have in common with each other and to give two features that show weta belong to the group insects.

Students are provided with six drawings of different types of insects. They use the drawings to explain two features of insects and to explain differences between the insects illustrated.

Task: Make careful observations of a picture to decide what you can see and what you might know but can't see.

Task: Look for the similarities and differences in leaf patterns to answer questions about observations and evidence.