Looking Marine scientists are good observers-they inspect things carefully, they measure, weigh, and count, and they record what they see. Observation involves looking closely and carefully. Scientists count things and measure things such as size, weight, temperature, speed, etc. They notice variables such as the time of day, tides, season, weather, and position.
Tools extend a scientist's senses.
These are different from laboratory or controlled fieldwork studies. Use your different senses to observe like a scientist does. Dr. LeBoeuf has studied elephant seal behavior for many years to learn about reproductive behavior, parenting methods, and diving and feeding habits. Observe elephant seal behaviors and predict what they are up to. Studying coastal processes involves looking at the same parts of the coast over time and across many seasons to see how it changes.