Observations and Inferences Flashcard

Front

What is an observation?

Back

Information gathered through the senses or scientific instruments.

Tags

NGSS.4-ESS2-1

NGSS.4-PS3-2

NGSS.5-PS1-3

Front

Which of the following is an inference?

• The sky is blue.
• The plant's leaves are green and moist.
• The dog must be hungry because it is whining.
• The temperature is 30°C.

Back

The dog must be hungry because it is whining.

Front

How can evidence be used to support an inference?

Back

By providing observations that align with the inference.

Tags

NGSS.HS-LS4-1

Front

What distinguishes an observation from an inference?

Back

Observations are data collected through senses, while inferences are interpretations of that data.

Front

Which of the following is an example of using an observation to draw a conclusion?

• Assuming it will rain because the sky is dark.
• Noticing that a plant's leaves are drooping and concluding it needs water.
• Believing a friend is mad because they didn't say hello.
• Predicting a team will win based on their past performance.

Back

Noticing that a plant's leaves are drooping and concluding it needs water.

Front

What is a key aspect of making an inference?

Back

Using evidence to form a logical conclusion.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS4-4

Front

Why is it important to differentiate between observation and inference in scientific investigations?

Back

To clearly separate data from the interpretations of the data.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-2

Front

What best describes an inference?

Back

Predicting rain due to dark clouds in the sky.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

Front

How does drawing a conclusion from observations differ from making an inference?

Back

Drawing a conclusion is based on multiple observations, while an inference can be based on a single observation.

Front

What role does evidence play in making inferences?

Back

Evidence provides a basis for making logical inferences.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-4

NGSS.MS-LS2-4