Scientific observation for developing children’s scientific practice skills and sensitivity: A perspective from science education

Scientific observation is one of the elementary methods of learning about the world, especially in biology and geography. Meanwhile, its understanding is still colloquial and superficial, and its presence in school science is quite marginal. I present the theoretical assumptions of scientific observation and how it differs from everyday observation. In addition, I present a short description of how children’s observation skills develop and argue why it is worth introducing scientific observation into the educational process. I support these considerations by presenting basic assumptions that can be implemented when designing an educational process intended to facilitate the implementation and development of scientific observation skills, which considers the features of scientific observation and its stages. Since life sciences should be largely conducted through direct experience and observation, I also present the benefits of conducting observations in the natural environment. Finally, I present some reflections on the absence and presence of scientific observation in schools.