Title: Title: Observations and InferencesObservations and Inferences

We are going to watch a short clip from a We are going to watch a short clip from a nature video.nature video.As the video proceeds, write down As the video proceeds, write down everything that you observe.everything that you observe.– Write these observations on your CNB.Write these observations on your CNB.Video observationsVideo observations

In order to keep warm the animals dig In order to keep warm the animals dig holes in side.holes in side.The duck swimming up while facing up-The duck swimming up while facing up-ward.ward.The ducks making ripples in the ocean The ducks making ripples in the ocean waterwaterThe rabbit was white for camouflage The rabbit was white for camouflage Little birds were pecking at the floorLittle birds were pecking at the floor

Video Observations

How are observations and inferences How are observations and inferences different from each other?different from each other?

Observations describe what is perceived by the senses.

Example: There is a book on the table.Observing – means using one or more of your senses to gather information.

Scientific conclusions can be drawn from observations.

There are quantitative and There are quantitative and qualitative observations. qualitative observations.

Qualitative observationsQualitative observations– Cannot be described or expressed in numbers.Cannot be described or expressed in numbers.– You have to use your senses to observe the results. You have to use your senses to observe the results.

(Sight, smell, touch, taste and hear.)(Sight, smell, touch, taste and hear.)

Quantitative observationsQuantitative observations– Described with numbers or amountsDescribed with numbers or amounts– Made with instruments such as rulers, balances, Made with instruments such as rulers, balances,

graduated cylinders, and thermometers.graduated cylinders, and thermometers.– Provide us with specific and precise information. Provide us with specific and precise information.

InferencesInferences are explanations or are explanations or interpretations about the things one interpretations about the things one observes. (Conclusions)observes. (Conclusions)–Example: Sam left his book on the table.Example: Sam left his book on the table.Opinion a subjective belief, and is the Opinion a subjective belief, and is the result of emotion or interpretation of factsresult of emotion or interpretation of facts

Example: That book must be interesting. Example: That book must be interesting.

Inferences and OpinionsInferences and Opinions

Lets try again…Lets try again…

Now that we have distinguished between Now that we have distinguished between the two, let’s try it again.the two, let’s try it again.We have three pictures taken of a rock We have three pictures taken of a rock surface with a set of impressions on it. surface with a set of impressions on it. As you are shown each picture, write As you are shown each picture, write down what you observe in that picture and down what you observe in that picture and then come up with as many inferences as then come up with as many inferences as possible based on those observations.possible based on those observations.

Observations Inferences

Pic 1

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Picture 1 Picture 1

Picture 2 Picture 2

Picture 3 Picture 3

Are observations more important in Are observations more important in science than inferences?science than inferences?

Are observations more important in Are observations more important in science than inferences?science than inferences?

NO!NO!Humans are naturally inclined to create explanations for the observations that we make.

Are observations more important in Are observations more important in science than inferences?science than inferences?

Observations and inferences are both Observations and inferences are both fundamental elements of science. fundamental elements of science. All scientific knowledge is based on All scientific knowledge is based on observation and inference.observation and inference.Inferences based on scientific observations Inferences based on scientific observations and other forms of data are influenced by and other forms of data are influenced by background experiences, prior knowledge, background experiences, prior knowledge, creativity, etc. creativity, etc. This is why scientists find it helpful to discuss This is why scientists find it helpful to discuss their inferences with others, especially those their inferences with others, especially those with different backgrounds.with different backgrounds.

Quantitative and Qualitative Quantitative and Qualitative observations.observations.

Mini-LabMini-LabDo worksheetDo worksheet– The worksheet will be collected separately. Do The worksheet will be collected separately. Do

NOT glue it to your CNB.NOT glue it to your CNB.