Scientific Inquiry

Information that you gather with your senses is called

• an opinion
• a question
• a belief
• an observation

Which is the BEST way to identify a qualitative observation? 

• Look for words, pictures or diagrams
• Look for words such as see, hear, touch, smell, and taste.
• Look for units such as meters or liters.
• Look for number words such as more than, fewer, and none.

Which is NOT the way to identify a quantitative observation?

• Look for words that describe things.
• Look for words that have to do with measuring and units, like centimeters and inches. 
• Look for something that was counted.
• Look for number words such as more than, fewer, and none.

Which of these is a qualitative observation?

• The boy is 5 feet tall.
• There are six birds in the tree.
• The birds are tiny.
• There are more blue birds than black birds. 

Which of these is NOT a scientific observation?

• All birds have feathers.
• Some birds have colorful feathers.
• There are many different types of birds.
• Birds are a great pet.

What type of tool would you use to make a qualitative observation? 

• telescope
• ruler
• thermometer
• rain guage

What tool do you use to separate white light into the visible spectrum?

• prism
• binoculars
• telescope
• anemometer

What tool do you use to measure wind speed?

• prism
• binoculars
• telescope
• anemometer

What tool do you use to reflect light?

• prism
• binoculars
• telescope
• mirror

What statement is an inference?

• There are two fish in the bowl.
• They are eating their food.
• They like their food.
• Both fish are blue.