Observations and Inferences

Front

What is an observation?

Back

An observation is a statement based on what you can see, hear, or measure. For example, 'The dog is wearing a hat.'

Tags

NGSS.2-PS1-1

Front

What is an inference?

Back

An inference is a conclusion or prediction made based on observations. For example, if you see a broken vase and a girl nearby, you might infer that 'The girl broke the vase.'

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-2

Front

Which of the following is an observation: 'The dog is 4 years old' or 'The dog is wearing a hat'?

Back

The dog is wearing a hat.

Front

Which of the following is an inference: 'The boy is not going to school today' or 'The boy is wearing a backpack'?

Back

The boy is not going to school today.

Front

What is the difference between an observation and an inference?

Back

An observation is based on direct evidence, while an inference is a conclusion drawn from observations.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-2

Front

Give an example of an observation.

Back

The man has a purple shirt.

Tags

NGSS.2-PS1-1

Front

Give an example of an inference.

Back

The man hates his purple shirt.

Front

What can you infer if you see someone with a wet umbrella?

Back

It is likely that it has been raining.

Front

What is a key characteristic of an observation?

Back

It is factual and can be verified.

Front

What is a key characteristic of an inference?

Back

It involves interpretation and may not be directly observable.