Inference and observation

What is an inference? 

• Just a guess.
• A statement based off of your observations. 
• The same as an observation. 
• Examples of something. 

Tags

CCSS.RI.4.1

CCSS.RI.5.1

CCSS.RL.5.1

CCSS.RL.6.1

CCSS.RL.4.1

Scenario: you walk into the science classroom and see an unfamiliar adult at the front of the room. You also see that Mr. Lundberg is not in the room. You wonder where he could be.
Which one(s) are observations?

• You walk into science.
• You see an unfamiliar adult.
• You wonder where Mr. Lundberg could be.
• None of these are observations

Scenario: you walk into the science classroom and see an unfamiliar adult at the front of the room. You also see that Mr. Lundberg is not in the room. You wonder where he could be. "Maybe he's home sick today" you think to yourself.
Which of these is an inference?

• You walk into science.
• You see an unfamiliar adult.
• You do not see Mr. Lundberg
• "Maybe he's home sick today" 

Which of these statements is NOT an observation about this picture?

• There is a red candle on the window sill.
• The moon is full.
• It is Christmas time.
• There's snow on the tree.

Which of the following is NOT an inference about the man in this picture:

• The man hates his purple shirt.
• The man has a purple shirt.
• The man is having a bad day.
• This man is upset because he's hungry

Scenario: You are shopping at Safeway. You hear glass breaking, a person cursing, and the sharp smell of pickle juice coming from the next aisle. 
Which of these is/are observations?

• You hear glass breaking
• You hear a person cursing
• You smell pickle juice
• All of these are observations

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-8

In the scientific process, which comes first?

• Observation: using your senses to gather information
• Inference: explain data based on prior knowledge
• Prediction: anticipate a future event
• Hypothesis: a testable explanation for a set of data

Observation or Inference?
I believe he must have hit a pothole in the road

• observation
• inference

Observation or Inference?
I think a tsunami put the boat on the house

• observation
• inference

Tags

NGSS.3-ESS3-1

Observation or Inference?
There are three young girls with party hats on

• observation
• inference