Read with an adult. Take your time. You can say, point, draw or write your answer.
1 Let's look together
An observer looks carefully. We notice what is really there. A leaf might be green, smooth or shaped like a hand.
Tell someone what you notice. Then ask a question. Looking again can help us find an answer.
Look closelySay what you noticeAsk a questionLook again
Look, point and talk with your adult.
2 Watch how I do it
I look at a fallen leaf. I see a jagged edge. I ask, 'Do all these leaves have jagged edges?' I look at another leaf to check.
3 Your turn
Which is an observation: 'This leaf is brown' or 'I like this leaf best'?
Have a go before opening the answer.
Let's check together
'This leaf is brown' describes something you notice. Liking it best is your opinion.
4 Try it away from the page
With an adult, draw two safe fallen leaves and describe one difference. A hand lens can help. Wash hands afterwards.
Open your writing and drawing pad
Write, draw or show your working. Use a mouse, pen or finger. This pad is not a submitted answer.
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My observation notebook
With an adult, look at a safe real example or a checked photograph. Name the example and say which you used. Record what you actually notice. Do not taste plants or materials, approach unknown animals or invent missing observations.
Tell your adult what you notice. They can help you write it. A prediction is what you think might happen; an observation is what you actually see, hear or feel safely.
Keep your notebook: use Download notebook before leaving. Nothing is sent to the website or saved to your account. Reopen the downloaded notebook here to add another day's record. Do not include names, addresses or other private information.
Your records on this page
No observations recorded yet. Look first, then add one.
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Adult notes · prerequisites, safety and coverage
Working scientifically is revisited in every unit, not completed by this page. Adult checks plants first; no tasting and no looking at the Sun through a lens.
Use real observations alongside the diagrams. Supervise practical work; never taste unknown materials or plants, handle unknown animals, or look at the Sun. Return to plants, weather and daylight throughout the year, not just once.
Ask, observe, test, classify and record evidence with adult support.