Observations and Inferences

Observations and Inferences

What are the two kinds of observations made in science?

• Qualitative-What you can See or Sense; Color or Smell

• Quantitative- How much, has a number; mass or temperature

Multiple Select

Which of the following are examples of qualitative observations?

• 36 tons

• blue bubbles

• hot

• loud

• 5 grams

Multiple Choice

There are two spiders on the slide.

• qualitative observation

• quantitative observation

Multiple Choice

The spider web is large.

• qualitative observation

• quantitative observation

How does an observation differ from an inference?

• Observations are based on facts that you can experience with your senses

• Inferences are explanations or interpretations based of what you observe; not supported by facts

Multiple Choice

There are two spiders on the slide.

• observation

• inference

Multiple Choice

The slide is broken.

• Observation

• Inference

Multiple Choice

No one has used the slide in a long time.

• Observation

• Inference

Multiple Choice

Spiders eat children

• observation

• inference

Multiple Select

What do you observe?

• There is a house that fell down

• There was an earthquake

• There is a broken tree

• The earthquake destroyed a house

• There are fifteen trees

Multiple Choice

The sky is blue.

• Observation

• Inference

Multiple Choice

There are clouds in the sky. It is going to rain.

• Observation

• Inference

Multiple Choice

Amy got a 100%

on her math test. Girls are better at math.

• Observation

• Inference

Multiple Choice

There is a candle burning.

• Observation

• Inference

Multiple Choice

The room smells like vanilla!

• Observation

• Inference