A Student's Observations on a Squirrel's Movements

Explanation

Qualitative Observation Definition: Qualitative observations rely on qualities that cannot be measured. Instead, they are based on characteristics such as color, texture, smell, taste, and shape.

When examining the student’s observations about the squirrel's movements, we can determine which ones are qualitative based on the nature of the observation:

Option A: The squirrel traveled about 500 meters between 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. This observation involves a specific measurement of distance, making it a quantitative observation.

Option B: The squirrel stopped 17 times to eat nuts. Counting the number of times the squirrel stops involves quantifying an action, making this observation quantitative.

Option C: The squirrel rested twice. Similar to option B, counting the number of times the squirrel rests provides a measurable quantity, rendering this observation quantitative as well.

Option D: The squirrel ran in a zigzag pattern. This observation describes the manner in which the squirrel moves, focusing on its path rather than a specific measurement. As it is based on the student's visual perception, this observation is deemed qualitative.

Therefore, the student's qualitative observation is that the squirrel ran in a zigzag pattern, while options A, B, and C are quantitative observations due to their reliance on numerical measurements.