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Observation vs Interpretation

META
Science›Scientific Inquiry|Ages 6—7|ID: mt_Hw70LI5xza

Notice the difference between what you observed and what you think it means — 'the ice melted' is an observation; 'the ice melted because of the heat' is an interpretation

Mastery Evidence

  • observation vs interpretation in primary science
  • BERA: children's observation skills in nature

Assessment Prompt

“When [child] does a science activity, can they tell the difference between what they actually saw or measured — and what they think caused it or what it means?”

Prerequisites1

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  • Feeling of not understanding soft

    Noticing the observation/interpretation distinction requires monitoring your own thinking — the universal comprehension-monitoring habit applied to scientific reasoning

    • Asking for Help hard

      Noticing confusion and acting on it requires already knowing that asking for help is a valid response to being stuck

Unlocks2