Stop, Look, and Listen

Using the senses to gather information is a valuable tool for a detective or for a scientist. By carefully examining evidence and documenting what is seen, detectives and scientists can solve problems, collect evidence, and make conclusions.

Supplies: Magnifying glass Tweezers Envelopes or small boxes to collect evidence.

Give child(ren) an area inside or outside to search. Tell the children to be careful to pay attention to everything that is seen in the area. Caution the children not to put anything in their mouths without checking with an adult first. Give the children 10-15 minutes to observe. Children can draw pictures or take notes with the help of an adult.

Perform these activities while searching the assigned area:1. Look at the search area, draw pictures or make notes showing the major items in

the search area. Use all the senses except taste (unless appropriate) to observe the area.

2. Ask what has happened in the area recently? Was someone eating, playing, reading, working, etc.? How do you know?

3. Ask what the room indicates about the people who use the room or area. Does someone sleep here? Is food prepared here? Do people watch television here? Do people play games here? What clues are in the room that show what people do in the area?

4. Crawl around the area and look at the floor or ground. Use your magnifying glass. What do you see on the floor or ground: toys, hair, threads, paper, dog food, twigs, leaves, dead flowers, insects etc. Be sure to look under, around, on and behind furniture. Draw pictures or make notes showing what is found. Use the tweezers to pick up any small items and put them in envelopes to examine later.

5. After collecting evidence, take it to a table and examine it. Talk about the clues and what they indicate about the area where they were found.

6. Talk about how detective and scientists look for evidence and use it to solve problems or make conclusions.