Scientists start by observing: looking carefully, touching, listening and sometimes smelling. They notice what things are like, such as their colour, shape, size and texture. A magnifying glass helps us see tiny details, like the veins on a leaf.
After observing, scientists sort things into groups. You could sort leaves by shape, buttons by colour, or objects by whether they float or sink. There is often more than one way to sort the same things. Always explain your rule, for example: 'These all float, and these all sink.'
Worked example
How could you sort a pile of buttons?
- Look closely at the buttons first.
- Choose one rule, such as colour or number of holes.
Answer:Put buttons that match the rule together, then say your rule.
Key words
- observe
- look carefully and notice details
- sort
- put things into groups
- group
- things that share something
- magnifying glass
- a lens that makes things look bigger
Practise this
New questions every time.