Approaches and Methods of Teaching-learning Biological Science: Observation – Types, Importance in Bio-Science, Process, and Recording of Observation
Introduction
In Biological Science, observation is a powerful method to help students learn by seeing, touching, and understanding real things around them. Instead of just reading books, students learn better when they observe plants, animals, experiments, or nature directly. This builds scientific thinking, curiosity, and deeper learning.
A. What is Observation in Biological Science?
Observation means carefully watching and studying things to learn more about them. It includes noticing details, comparing, and making notes about what is seen, felt, or measured.
Example: Watching how a plant grows daily, how a butterfly moves, or how food gets spoiled.
B. Types of Observation in Bio-Science
1. Natural Observation
Observing living things in their natural surroundings.
No disturbance or change in the environment.
Example: Watching ants carry food to their colony in the school garden.
2. Controlled Observation
Done under lab conditions or experiments.
Environment is controlled to study specific things.
Example: Observing what happens when a leaf is kept in iodine solution to test for starch.
3. Direct Observation
The student sees the thing with their own eyes.
Example: Watching a frog's body structure during dissection.
4. Indirect Observation
Learning through videos, images, models, or microscopes when real observation is not possible.
Example: Observing bacteria through a microscope or a video of the human heart.
C. Importance of Observation in Biological Science
1. Helps in Real Learning
Students see and believe what they learn.
Learning becomes clear and interesting.
2. Builds Scientific Skills
Encourages curiosity, questioning, comparison, and analysis.
Helps in developing scientific attitude.
3. Makes Students Active Learners
Observation makes learning student-centered.
Students take part in discovering facts.
4. Improves Memory and Understanding
Seeing real examples helps in better memory and concept clarity.
Indian Example: Observing how neem leaves keep insects away – connects textbook with local knowledge.
5. Supports Inquiry and Experiments
Observation is the first step of any scientific investigation.
D. Process of Observation in Biological Science
Step 1: Selection of Topic
Choose what to observe – plant growth, insect movement, water pollution, etc.
Step 2: Setting Purpose
Decide why we are observing – What do we want to find?
Example: To check if sunlight affects plant growth.
Step 3: Planning and Tools
Plan where, when, and how to observe.
Prepare tools: notebook, magnifying glass, microscope, camera, etc.
Step 4: Actual Observation
Observe carefully, patiently, and repeatedly.
Use all senses: sight, smell, touch.
Step 5: Recording Observation
Write down or draw what is observed.
Use charts, tables, drawings, photographs.
Tip: Always write date, time, place, and weather condition if done outside.
Step 6: Analysis and Conclusion
Think about what was observed.
Compare with textbook knowledge.
Draw conclusions or findings.
E. Recording of Observation
Recording means writing down or presenting what we observed in a clear and organized way.
Methods of Recording:
Written Notes – Detailed explanation in own words.
Drawings or Diagrams – With labels.
Tables and Charts – For comparisons.
Photographs – For permanent record.
Observation Sheets – Pre-made formats with columns for date, time, result.
Example in Indian Classroom:
In a Class 8 Bio lab, students grow two plants – one in sunlight and one in shade.
They observe height, leaf color, and number of leaves every day for 7 days.
They record this in a table and draw conclusions about the need for sunlight.
Conclusion
Observation is a basic and powerful method in Biological Science. It helps students connect theory with real life, builds scientific thinking, and makes learning active and enjoyable. In Indian classrooms, using local plants, animals, and natural surroundings can make observations more meaningful and budget-friendly. Teachers should guide students to observe, question, record, and reflect – to create future scientists and thinkers.
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