Observation & Inference 9/6/12

Warm Up

On your Observation vs. Inference Page of your IAN:Write down (at least!) 4 observations and 2 inferences about the picture.

What is an Observation?

A factual statement based on information gathered from the five senses.

There are 2 types:-Qualitative-Quantitative

Ohh… This liquid is green and it is leaking from a brown can. I also smell it.

Observation Words: Hear See Taste Smell Fact Measured Statement

Quantitative & Qualitative Observations

• Quantitative – measureable or countable• 3 meters long• 4 marbles• 50 kilograms• 35 degrees Celsius

• Qualitative – describable, not measureable • red flowers• smells like fresh baked cookies• Tastes bitter

What is an Inference?Using observations to make a guess or testable hypothesis about an object or an outcome

THIS CAN BE A SCIENTIFIC OPINION

Inference Words: Judgment Opinion Conclusion Explains Interpretation

Based on my observations, I think that is can is old and leaking a toxic substance.

What do you think?Observations:

• I hear people screaming• I smell cotton candy, popcorn, and hamburgers• I see a lot of people

Inference = ?

Look at these two sets of animal tracks.

List 3 OBSERVATIONS

Make an INFERENCE

Now what do

you think?

Make 3 OBSERVATIONS

Make an INFERENCE

Now what do you think?

Make 3 OBSERVATIONSMake an INFERENCE

Activity Pagewww.middleschoolscience.com/footprints-isn.pdf

In your science notebook, write your conclusion.

Bull’s Eye ComparisonDraw a 2 topic bull’s eye in IAN:

-Name one side of the bull’s eye “observation,” and the other side “inference.”

-Differences between the two topics belong on outside sections, similarities belong in the center.