Observations, Inferences and Classification

In order to make observations, an observer must always use

• experiments

• the senses

• proportions

• mathematical calculations

Tags

NGSS.K-2-ETS1-1

Using a metric ruler to measure the length of a stick is an example of

• extending the sense of sight by using an instrument

• calculating the percent error by using a proportion

• measuring the rate of change of the stick by making inferences

• predicting the length of the stick by guessing

A student visually inspected a rock during class and made four statements. Which of the following is an observation?

• the rock formed deep within the Earth

• the rock cooled rapidly

• the rock dates from the Precambrian Era

• The rock is black and shiny

Which action can be performed most accurately using only the human senses?

• tearing a sheet of paper into squares whose sides measure 1cm

• adding 10 grams of salt to a cup of water

• measuring the air pressure of a room

• counting 28 shells from a beach

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-8

A map shows the path of an ash cloud that resulted from the Mount St. Helens eruption. The map was developed from satellite photographs. The path of the ash cloud was probably determined by

• observation

• hypothesis

• inference

• theory

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-2

Which statement made by a student after examining a rock specimen is an inference?

• The rock is of igneous origin

• The rock has round edges

• The rock is light-colored

• The rock contains large crystals

While on a field trip to a large lake in NYS, an observer recorded four statements about this lake. Which of these statements is most likely an inference?

• The water is clear enough to see to the bottom of the lake.

• The lake was formed by glacial action.

• A log is floating in the lake.

• The surface temperature of the lake is 18.5 degrees C

An interpretation based upon an observation is called

• a fact

• an inference

• a classification

• a measurement

Which statement about burning a candle is most likely an inference?

• Carbon dioxide and water vapor are produced by the burning.

• The wick gets shorter as the candle burns.

• The candle wax is melting.

• The flame is yellow.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-5

NGSS.MS-PS1-2

A student observed a freshly dug hole in the ground and recorded statements about the sediments at the bottom of the hole. Which statement is an inference?

• The hole is 2 meters deep

• Some of the particles are rounded

• The sediments were deposited by a stream

• Over 50% of the sediments are the size of sand grains or smaller