Tools, such as thermometers, magnifiers, rulers, or balances, often give more information about things than can be obtained by just observing things without their help. Describing things as accurately as possible is important in science because it enables people to compare their observations with those of others. When people give different descriptions of the same thing, it is usually a good idea to make some fresh observations instead of just arguing about who is right. Primary students investigate ways to propagate new plants. Students plant Brassica seeds, rye and alfalfa grass seeds, cuttings from house plants, onion bulbs, and pieces of carrot, radish and potato.
Students observe and record how the plants grow and develop.
They also record how the plants respond to different experimental conditions, such as keeping some plants in continuous light, planting some in water, and trimming others. In doing science, often it is helpful to work with a team and to share findings with others. All team members should reach their individual conclusions, however, about what the findings mean. A lot can be learned about plants and animals by observing them closely, but care must be taken to know the needs of living things and how to provide for them in the classroom. In technology, tools are used to observe, measure, and make things.