Observations & Inferences

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What is an observation?

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An observation is a statement based on what you see, hear, or measure. It is factual and can be verified.

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What is an inference?

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An inference is a conclusion or interpretation made based on observations and prior knowledge. It goes beyond what is directly observed.

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What is a qualitative observation?

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A qualitative observation describes qualities or characteristics that cannot be measured with numbers, such as color, texture, or smell.

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What is a quantitative observation?

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A quantitative observation involves measurements and numbers, such as height, weight, or temperature.

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Example of an observation: 'The sky is blue.' What type is it?

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This is a qualitative observation.

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Example of an observation: 'There are 20 students in the classroom.' What type is it?

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This is a quantitative observation.

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Is 'The grass is wet' an observation or an inference?

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This is an observation.

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Is 'It will rain tomorrow because the sky is cloudy' an observation or an inference?

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This is an inference.

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What is the difference between an observation and an inference?

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An observation is a direct statement about what is seen, while an inference is a conclusion drawn from observations.

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Why are observations important in science?

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Observations are important because they provide the data needed to form hypotheses and draw conclusions.