Observation v Inference

Observation vs. Inference

8th grade science

What is an observation?

When you observe, you become aware of
something using your senses.

Your five senses are smell, taste, sight, touch, and
sound.
An observation is simply describing something as it
appears.

An observation is a statement describing a fact.

Multiple Choice

What are the five senses used to observe?

• sight, hearing, touch, balance, cry

• sight, hearing, touch, temperature,laugh

• sight, hearing, touch, taste, smell
• sight, hearing, touch, taste, baking

Observation

Let’s discuss 5 observations about your science classroom.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Word Cloud

Name something you can observe in the classroom.

Qualitative Observation

Sometimes scientists must make very
careful observations. Often their senses
are not good enough. There are some
things that cannot be observed using just
your senses.

(Examples: radiation, sound waves, distant
planets, cells, etc.)

How do we extend our senses?

Can you think of ways that scientists
have solved this problem?

How can scientists extend their
senses?

Microscopes, Telescopes,

satellites, etc.

What is an inference?

When you infer, you make a mental
judgment based on observations.

Inferences cannot be directly
observed. They require thought.

Inferences

For example, if you get up in the morning, look up at the sky and
observe

-dark clouds

-cool air

- humidity

-puddles on the ground

You might infer that it has recently rained. Note: you did not see rain;
you decided that it rained based on your observations.

An inference is a statement based on your interpretation of the facts.

List 3 inferences about the classroom

1.

2.

3.

Examples

Observations

Inferences

-A plant is extremely wilted -That plant is extremely wilted due to a lack of water

-The car stopped running -The car stopped running because it was out of gas

-The person turns on a fan -The person feels warm and would like to cool down

Open Ended

List two inferences you can make by looking around the classroom.

What observations and inferences can you make?

Multiple Choice

The brother and sister want to watch different TV shows. Is this an observation or an inference?

• Observation

• Inference

Multiple Choice

The little girl is afraid of airplanes. Is this an observation or an inference?

• Observation

• Inference

Multiple Choice

That man is carrying a coffee cup. Is this an observation or an inference?

• Observation

• Inference