4.1.11

Observation & Measurement Skills

Test yourself

Observation and Measurement Skills

Observations are key in science. The smallest observation may make a large difference to your results.

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Preliminary data

  • After a practical at school, your teacher gives you the exact measurements.
    • Exact measurements are not attained by chance.
    • Exact measurements come from trial and error.
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Previous experiments

  • Lots of people have tried your experiment before you.
    • These people have tried to get the best measurements you need for your results.
  • The best measurements will improve your results.
    • Your results will lead to valid conclusions.
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Scales

  • It is important to read scales carefully.
  • The equipment you use should give you a high resolution of results.
    • For example, a beaker with a range of 10ml has a higher resolution than one with a scale of 50ml.
  • You can get more accurate results with a higher resolution.
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Range of Data and results tables

  • The range of data is from the smallest number to the largest number.
    • The range should give a clear pattern of results.
  • Data should then be put in a results table.
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The results table

  • The results table must be drawn using:
    • A ruler
  • The columns in the table must:
    • Be clear
    • Include the units of measurement
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Columns of a table

  • The first column is normally the independent variable.
    • The independent variable is the one you change.
  • The next columns are the dependent variables.
    • The dependent variables are the ones you measure.

Jump to other topics

1Biology

1.1Cells, Tissues & Organs

1.2Reproduction & Variation

1.3Ecological Relationships & Classification

1.4Digestion & Nutrition

1.5Plants & Photosynthesis

1.6Biological Systems & Processes

2Chemistry

2.1Particles

2.2Chemical Reactions

2.3Atoms, Elements, Compounds

2.4The Periodic Table

2.5Materials & the Earth

2.6Reactivity

2.7Energetics

2.8Properties of Materials

3Physics

3.1Energy

3.2Forces & Motion

3.3Waves

3.4Electricity & Magnetism

3.5Matter

3.6Space Physics

4Thinking Scientifically

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