What is the purpose of the Observation Method of Teaching Science?

It is not a specific method of teaching science. As a matter of fact, almost all science begins with observation. Several hundred years were devoted to accumulating a large amount of observed descriptions of nature. To the scientist, however, goes on to determine relationship between some of the observations made and the information’s obtained through the success. The result of this process is an abstract mental picture which tends to see nature in an orderly man-made pattern, which comes under the purview of science of observation. This is the substance of which scientific theories are made. The scientist is mainly regarded as a person, who describes nature by careful observations. The descriptions which are based on direct observation represent correct facts.

The training of pupils in observation is really storing his mind with suitable experiences all thoroughly classified and digested. Science provided remarkable training in observation and reasoning. Learners reason from the once established facts and form concepts about further observed phenomena.

For purposes of observation of learners the following are considered as facilities for teaching Science in the Schools:

1. Science Corner

In the face of paucity of accommodation, arrangements may be made for a science corner in the classroom. A corner in the classroom may be set aside to be called, “Science Corner”. If possible one or two tables which may be sued for experimenting and display are to be obtained. The School-Custodian may help building shelves underneath the table for storage of materials, supplies and equipment. The Pupils may be encouraged to bring in materials to display in the Science Corner, while all others avail themselves of the chance of observation. But these materials should never be allowed to remain on the table, so long as their interest value is lost. The Science Corner should be placed for observation of activity and change.

2. A Science Bulletin Board

Children should be encouraged to constantly bring to School interesting items they have clipped from newspapers and magazines. The Science bulletin board provides a place to display such materials, as well as drawings and other things prepared in the Science Class. A good place for this Board is just above the tables in the Science Corner.

3. A Museum Shelf

The children are to be made interested to collect selected observable samples of scientific materials for the School. In place of a separate room for museum, these exhibits may be placed in a wall shelf of the Science room. Such activities should be encouraged in every School.

4. Aquaria and Terraria

These relate to preservation of aquatic creatures and small land animals in glass troughs and other mechanisms prepared for the purpose. These form a source of constant interest and provide a place where many interesting Science phenomena may be observed. These may be suitably placed in the space at the entrance of Science Classroom.

5. Cages for Animals

Several types of animals can be kept in the Classroom for observation. Some animals adjust to being caged better than others. Children may be encouraged to bring their pets to school for observation and study.

6. Setting up a Weather Station

Simple weather instruments can be made from materials locally available as far as possible. Observing weather changes from day to day is a source of interest and can form the basis of useful science lesson.

All Schools should try for such arrangement of observation in science education. The Government should come forward with helping hands for the cause of teaching of Science Education in Schools.