Observation is the cornerstone of the inquiry process. It begins an investigation and continues throughout it. When making observations, children are learning to gather evidence, organize their ideas, and propose explanations about the world around them. By challenging children to use their five senses to make detailed observations, teachers are encouraging students to collect and organize information about natural phenomena that they naturally find compelling. ¹

While touch and taste help round out the five senses, it’s crucial children do not touch or taste anything that could cause harm, such as poison ivy or Virginia creeper berries.

¹https://www.nsta.org/publications/news/story.aspx?id=52414