UPCO's Physical Setting Review: Earth Science (Revised Edition)

By: Robert Sigda

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Synopsis: When you look at the stars or feel the force of the wind, you are making observations. An observation is an interaction of one or more of the senses-sight, hearing, touch, taste, or smell-with the environment or surroundings. The ability of the senses are limited. Therefore, instruments have been invented and developed to extend the powers of observation. Instruments improve our ability to observe and to make measurements that would otherwise be very inaccurate or even impossible to make. For example, a telescope allows us to take a closer look at the stras. A scale enables us to accurately determine how much we weigh by measuring the pull of Earth's gravity on our bodies, which is something our senses don't readily observe.