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Research 1
Quarter 1 – Module 2:
The Basic Science Process Skills
OBSERVING

NORALA NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

Poblacion, Norala, South
1 Cotabato
Introductory Message
Research 1 for Grade 7 is a course in the Special Science Program designed to equip
learners with essential scientific attitudes and science process skills that will prepare them
in conducting science investigations. These skills include observing, measuring, inferring,
classifying, predicting, communicating, formulating research problems, formulating
hypothesis, defining and identifying variables, describing relationships between variables,
designing an investigation, experimenting and writing simple scientific report. This simple
science investigation shall be confined within the school premises. This course provides an
excellent groundwork or pre requisite background for higher research work.

For the learner:

Welcome to the Research 7 Self-Learning Module (SLM) on The Basic Science Process
Skills (Observing).

The following are some reminders in using this module:

1. Use the module with care. Do not put unnecessary mark/s on any part of the
module. Use your notebook in answering the exercises/activities.
2. Don’t forget to answer all the exercises/activities included in the module.
3. Read the instruction carefully before doing each task.
4. Observe honesty and integrity in doing the tasks and checking your answers.
5. Finish the task at hand before proceeding to the next activity.

If you encounter any problem or difficulty in answering the tasks, do not hesitate to consult
your teacher. Always remember that you are not alone.
I hope that through this material, you will experience meaningful learning and gain deeper
understanding of the most relevant competencies. You can do it.

CONTENT STANDARD
The learner demonstrates understanding of the scientific attitudes, applies appropriate
basic science process skills in designing simple science investigation.
PERFORMANCE STANDARD
The learner should be able to:
design simple science investigation applying scientific attitudes and basic science
process skills which are the inherent requirements in conducting simple science
Investigation.
LEARNING COMPETENCIES
The learner should be able to:
a. explain the importance of observation in the empirical nature of science
(SSP-RS7SPS-1d-2)
b. demonstrate the skills of observing a given event and/ or object
(SSP-RS7SPS-1d-3)

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What I Need to Know

Scientists ask questions about the things they observe. Do you also ask
questions about what you see around you? Do you make an observation about
objects, events, and phenomena? Do you study what patterns or trends are
displayed? Whenever you ask questions and gather data about these objects and
events, you are acting like a scientist. You maybe not aware of it but you are
already acting as one. Whenever we are faced with problems or difficult situations
arise, most of the time, the basic process skills used by the scientist were also
employed by many to guide in finding solutions to problems. This goes the same
way with the researcher. In conducting research, one has to make use of the basic
science processes to guide and help them in giving solutions to a certain problem.

This module will expose you to the world of scientists. How do scientists
work and how do they solve problems?

After going through this module, you are expected to:

a. make observations using one or more of the five senses
b. define observing operationally
c. differentiate the processes of observing
d. explain the importance of observation in science

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What I Know

Look around you. You can see different kinds of things, your modules, the trees,
the flowers in the garden, the chickens, dogs, and carabao, often used by the
farmers to help them plant the rice or corn. What do all these things have in
common?

Direction: Give what is being asked. Write your answer in your notebook.

A. Complete the table below. Tell what particular sense or senses are manifested in
the given questions.
Questions Sense Used
1. Is the plant tall, short or sprawling?
2. Do the leaves feel waxy or slippery?
3. Does any part of the plant have an odor?
4. Are the leaves shiny or dull?
5. What is the color of the flowers?
6. What is the shape of the fruits of the plant?
7. How many kinds of plants are there in the area?

B. Tell whether the following observation is qualitative or quantitative?

8. There are five ducks swimming on the pond.
9. Seawater is saltier than lake water.
10. Chita is more academically prepared than Chito.
11. Marieta owns five goats, three dogs and a dozen of cats.
12. She loves eating Korean food.
13. The children are dancing gleefully and gracefully.
14. Jose is managing more than a hundred of employees in their company.
15. I have a fever today.

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Lesson Research 1
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The Basic Science Process Skills
(Observing)

Learning Objectives:

a. Make observations using one or more of the five senses;

b. Define observing operationally;
c. Differentiate the processes of observing; and
d. Explain the importance of observation in science.

What’s In

How are you today? I hope you are fine. Can you still remember our previous
lesson? Well, take a glance once again on it.

Activity 1: How Do I Work?

Direction: Choose and write the correct answer in your notebook.

1. Rosa saw some big ants crawling on the table. She wondered where they came
from so she tried investigating, What scientific attitude does Rosa show?
a. creativity c. objectivity
b. curiousity d. responsibility
2. Miss Cruz, the science teacher, asked Paul to conduct an experiment on
chemical weathering. After three days Paul reported and allowed the class to
examine and criticize the setup if there is something wrong with it. Paul showed
a. curiousity. c. open-mindedness.
b. intellectually honesty d. rationality.
3. Darren is physically handicap. His detractors will always tell him that he will
never succeed in his chosen career but Darren did not give up instead he
persevered despite his disability. What attitude did Darren show?
a. concern for others c. open-mindedness
b. confidence d. perseverance

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4. Maurice closely observed how the lizard attacks an insect for food. What
scientific attitude does Maurice display?
a. creativity c. open-mindedness
b. curiousity d. patience
5. You want to know which types of candles you bought from the market burns
faster. You consulted your mother what and how to do an investigation to find
out. This time, what attitude did you display?
a. curiousity c. open-mindedness
b. intellectually honesty d. rationality

What’s New

Job well done! Tis time you are going to perform series of activities related to
observation.

Activity 2: Observe Me!

Materials:
Shovel or any gardening tool pail of water
Writing material notebook

Procedure:
1. Go out to a grassy area. Pick a weed/grass to observe.
2. Use a shovel or any gardening tool and try to get the whole root system of
the weed.
3. Wash the root system thoroughly.
4. Lay the weed on the flat surface.
5. Use your sense of sight, touch, and smell to describe the following parts:
root system, stem, leaf and the flowers (if any). Write your observations
(as many as you can) in a tabular form as shown below.

Note: In describing each plant part, consider the following: size, general
shape, color, odor and texture.

Description Sense Used

QUESTIONS

1. Are there damaged leaves? What could have damaged those leaves?
2. Do you think the weed is healthy? Why or why not?

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What is It

Excellent! You are on the right track.

Scientists ask questions about the things they observe. Do you also ask
questions about what you see around you? Do you make an observation about
objects, events, and phenomena and find out what patterns or trends are displayed?
Whenever you ask questions and gather data about these objects and events, you
are acting like a scientist. A scientist has a keen sense of observation and a logical
way of gathering, organizing, and processing information. They use these basic
process skills to guide them in finding solutions to problems.

In the course of solving a problem, whether looking for the best product or
finding the best way to serve a ball, you have to make keen and accurate
observations.

Observing means (a) becoming aware of an object or event by using any of

the five senses to identify properties, and (b) using one or more of the five senses to
gather or collect information about objects and phenomena or events. The
information gathered is also called an observation. Its purpose is to learn about the
world around us.

Observation may employ measurements and calculations. For example,

when you look out the window and see the raindrops fall, you say it is raining.
This statement is an observation.

To gather information by observing objects, you may use special tools to

extend the power of your senses. For example, to extend the power of your eyes,
you use tools/instruments such as a magnifying glass, microscope, camera or a
telescope. What gadgets/instruments do you use to extend the power of your
senses?

During an experiment, a scientist observes and record changes. He or she

enters data into a record book so that trends and other information can be inferred.

Observation maybe Qualitative or Quantitative.

Qualitative observations consist of data that pertain to qualities or

characteristics and which are gathered through the perceptions of the stimuli, such
as scents or smell. It is collected from simple observations and description.
example:
1. The plant grew taller in treatment A than in treatment B.
2. Choco ice cream is sweeter than cheese ice cream.
3. Mice fed with commercial feeds are irritable.

Quantitative observations consist of numerical data. The observation is

made with instruments such as ruler, balances, graduated cylinder, thermometer
and many other measuring devices. It is more exact. The data presented in
numbers tell exactly how tall or short, or how low or how high is the temperature
of the experimental subject.

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example:
1. Marian had successfully passed the 200 steps before reaching the
top of the shrine.
2. The average weight of the elephant’s tooth is about 4 kilograms.
3. Baby Joe has a fever. His body temperature is 38.30C.

When observing something, it is important to record the characteristics of

the object.

Many people do not see what they look at. Only a few can observe well. It is
because they have been so used to seeing things in a particular order (like the
parts of the face) that they do not take notice of little details anymore.

Remember these tips when making observations.

1. Use as many senses as you can. Never taste unless you are told to
do so.
2. When you pick up something or when you are watching an event,
think about how you can use your senses to get information about
the object or event.
3. Describe only what you observe directly through your senses.
4. Take note of changes. Include observations before, during and
after the change.

What’s More

Activity 3: To See is to Believe

Direction:
Perform the activity carefully and always consider your safety in doing the
activity. Write your observation in your notebook.

Materials:
Candle ruler box of match
transparent glass for a base of the candle timer/watch

CAUTION!!
1. Be careful in handling the lighted candle.
2. Avoid skin contact with the burning candle.
3. Use pot holder in handling the glass after the
activity.

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Procedure:

1. Get a candle, a transparent glass for a base, a ruler and match.

2. Turn the glass upside down and place the candle on top of it.
3. Observe and describe the candle at least six (3 qualitative and
3 quantitative).
4. Light the candle after you are done with the observation.
5. Observe the lighted candle and write at least four descriptions
(2 qualitative and 2 quantitative).
6. After three minutes, put off the candle. Observe and make 4 descriptions
(3 qualitative and 1 quantitative) after the change has taken place.
7. Record your observations on a table similar to the chart below.

Qualitative Observations Quantitative Observations

Before: Before:
1. 1.

2. 2.

3. 3.

During: During:
1. 1.

2. 2.

After: After:
1. 1.

2.

3.

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What I Have Learned

Excellent! You’re performing great. But there’s more.

Activity 4: Remember Me?

Direction: Fill in the blank with the correct term/s found inside the box. Do
it correctly.

collected exact information

numerical observation observing

quantitative qualities senses

(1)__________ means (a) becoming aware of an object or event by using any of

the five (2)__________ to identify properties, and (b) using one or more of the five
senses to gather or collect (3)__________ about objects and phenomena or events. The
information gathered is also called an observation.

Qualitative observations consist of data that pertain to (4)__________ or

characteristics and which are gathered through the perceptions of the stimuli, such
as scents or smell. It is (5)__________ from simple observations and description.

(6)__________ observations consist of (7)_________ data. The observation is

made with instruments such as ruler, balances, graduated cylinder, thermometer
and many other measuring devices. It is more (8)_________.

What I Can Do

Congratulations! Moving on to the next activity to measure further your skill in

observing.

Activity 5: Wanna Go on a Trip?

Direction: Follow the instructions below for you to enjoy your trip. Bring with
you your notebook and writing pen.

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Nature Trail
Go to your vegetable garden or flower garden or in your backyard and
look for the objects as instructed below.
Object 1: An object that moves and grows. Describe the object.
Object 2: An object that has life but is inanimate. Describe it.
Object 3: A nonliving object that has holes in it. Describe it.
Object 4: An object that should be thrown away because it is not useful. Describe.
Make and write your observations similar to the table below. The first one is
given for you as an example.

Object’s name Observations

Example for object 1

caterpillar It crawls and eats the leaves of the plants. It is green.

Object 1

Object 2

Object 3

Object 4

Assessment

Direction:
A. Tell whether the following observations are qualitative or quantitative.
Write your answer in your notebook.

1. The sky is blue.

2. Mother went to the market to buy 5 dozen eggs and 3 kilograms white sugar.
3. I saw different footprints on the sand.
4. The chicken adobo smells yummy.
5. There are 10 species of fish addition to the aquarium of my cousin.

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6. Enchong ran 10m/sec in the recent tournament in their school.
7. The durian tree bears many flowers.

B. Identify what sense/s is used in the given situation. You can write more than 1
answer.
8. The cactus has a flower however it smells bad.
9. The man is heading the carabao north.
10. I hear the bird chirping in the ceiling..
11. The mango is sweet.
12. The ampalaya has a bitter taste.
13. Jeff is taller than John.
14. The surface of the able is smooth.
15. The skin of the alligator seems hard and thick.

Additional Activities

Job well done! Good luck for your final activity for this session.

Activity 6: Are You Observant Enough?

Direction: Get your notebook and your writing pen. Answer the next activity
honestly.

Procedure
1. You see yourself in the mirror many times during the day. How well have you
seen and observed your face? Find out by answering the questions below.
a. Are your eyes below, above or in line with your ears?
b. Is your face square, oblong or heart shaped?
c. Do your earlobes have the same shape?
d. Are your eyelashes straight or curly?
e. Do you have a birthmark on the face?
f. Which is thicker, your upper lip or lower lip?
g. How many moles are there on your face?
h. When you wrinkle your brow, how any deep horizontal lines are formed on
your forehead?
i. How many pock marks are there on your face?
2. Let anybody in your home check your notebook.
3. How well did you score? If you were able to answer at least seven questions
correctly, you are a good observer.

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Activity 5: Wanna Go on a Trip?
Activity 4: Remember Me
Answer may vary
1. Observing
2. Senses
3. Information
4. Qualities
5. Collected
6. Quantitative
7. Numerical
8. Exact
What I Know
Activity 1: How Do I Work?
1. Seeing
1. B 2. Touching
2. C 3. Smelling
3. D 4. Seeing
4. B 5. Seeing
5. C 6. Seeing
7. Seeing
8. Quantitative
9. Qualitative
10. Qualitative
11. Quantitative
12. Qualitative
13. Qualitative
14. Quantitative
15. Qualitative
Answer Key
References

BOOKS
Albarico, Joni M, Avasar, Ruel G, Castor, Lucila G, (2010), Teaching guide in
Integrated Science pp. 11-13
Amasol, Teresita A, Balce, Marina, Galvez, Elvira & Lozano, Lourdes F., (2003),
Science & Technology for the Future 1 pp.13-15
Bayquen, Aristea V, Darvin-Faraon, Genevieve, Ferriols-Pavico, Josefina Ma, &
Silverio, Angelina A, Ramos, John Donnie A (Author-Coordinator) (2013), Exploring
Life Through Science Series pp. 33-40
Lastimado, Arturo V, Sabido, Gemma T & Tanora, Vicentius Invictus M, (2005),
Science & Technology 1 Integrated Science pp. 8-9
(2006,2009), Integrated Science – Science & Technology for First Year p. 10

Prepared by:
MRS. LAARNI A. PABIONA
Science Coordinator

Reviewed by:

MR. ELMER B. BILLANES

SS Principal II

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