Caroline and Bailey are partners in a science lab. The two girls are working on an experiment to see how light affects plant growth. They are trying to organize their notes into two categories: Observations and Ideas. Which statement should the girls place in the Observation category?

A. Plant A and Plant B grew into pretty plants.

B. Plant A grew more because it was closer to the window.

C. Plant A grew 1 centimeter more than Plant B on Day 16.

D. Plant B sprouted later probably because it was a smaller seed.

In scientific experiments, observations are facts and data that are directly measured or recorded, while ideas are interpretations or explanations of why something happens. Let’s evaluate each option:

"Plant A and Plant B grew into pretty plants" – This is subjective and based on opinion rather than measurable data. This is an idea, not an observation.

"Plant A grew more because it was closer to the window" – This statement attempts to explain why the plant grew more, which is an interpretation, not a direct observation. This is an idea.

"Plant A grew 1 centimeter more than Plant B on Day 16" – This is a measurable fact that provides specific data about plant growth. It’s an observation because it describes what was directly measured.

"Plant B sprouted later probably because it was a smaller seed" – The use of "probably" indicates that this is an interpretation. This is an idea, not a measurable observation.