Guide 2A
Making Observations
Collecting & processing sensory information
In this guide you will explore animal perception and cognition, including the role of sensory organs and the brain.
Video Overview
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Making Observations Guide Contents
Complete all four of these sections before taking the quiz and making your media piece.
Making Observations Objectives
Senses
Describe the various senses species use to interact with their external and internal environments; provide examples of interactions between sensory organs and the central nervous systems to form perception and test personal perceptions; and distinguish between observations and inferences, and provide an example of each.
Brains
Compare and contrast human brain structure and abilities to other animal species, explain how cognition relates to animals understanding the world, including examples of different forms of cognition in different species, and describe octopus characteristics including sensory organs, perception, and cognitive abilities.
Magnify & Measure
Describe the magnification possible with hand lenses and microscopes, explain why light sources and stains are important in magnification, and recognize and apply different forms of measurement used in animal research.
Microscopic Animals
Identify microscopic pond animals based on their structural characteristics, list different forms of motion visible at different magnifications, and explain what a tardigrade is, including their classification.
Making Observations Product Page
Look ahead to the products (quiz & media piece) you will be making after completing this guide’s four activity pages.
Making Observations Resource Page
Would you like to learn more than what is covered in this course? Visit these extra resources for a lifetime of learning.
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Course Overview
Module 2
Observations