Observation and Inference

Observations and Inferences

In this lesson you will learn a little more about the basis behind all science, making observations.

What is an Observation

A fact determined through one of the five

senses

My

observation
is… That is

hot!!!

Qualitative – Observation based on Quality
If it cannot be described using a number it is qualitative.

Types of Observations

Example: The hummingbird is small.

Quantitative – Observations based on Quantity
If it can be described using numbers it is quantitative.

Example: There are 2 clownfish in the anemone

Open Ended

List 4 QUALITATIVE observations from the picture.

Open Ended

List 4 QUANTITATIVE observations from the picture.

What is an Inference?

A conclusion or explanation reached based on

observations

I do not know what you are
talking about… I was not in

the trash.

Prediction Vs. Inference

Inference is what has happened or what is happening NOW

Prediction is what is going to happen in the future

Open Ended

Look at these two sets of tracks.

List 3 OBSERVATIONS

Make 1 INFERENCE

*make sure your inference is not a prediction

Open Ended

Now what do you think?

Make 3 new OBSERVATIONS.

Make 1 new INFERENCE.

*make sure your inference is not a prediction

Open Ended

What do you think now?

Make 3 more NEW OBSERVATIONS.

Make 1 more NEW INFERENCE.

*make sure your inference is not a prediction

Categorize

Options (7)

The cat is wearing a lime on its head.

The cat is going to go on a motorcycle ride.

The cat likes eating limes.

The lime is green.

Somebody put a lime on the cat's head.

The cat likes wearing the lime helmet.

The cat is going to take the lime helmet off.

Put the following statements in the correct category (Observation, Inference, or Prediction).

Observation

Inference

Prediction