Observations vs. Inferences

Which of the following is an observation?

• The women are wearing kilts.

• The women are having fun.

• The weather is warm.

• The women are friends.

Which of the following is an observation?

• The children slept in the tent last night.

• The children are looking for birds.

• The children have a picnic basket with food.

• The children are in the woods far from home.

Which of the following is an inference?

• The horse brown.

• There is snow on the ground.

• The rider is wearing long sleeves.

• It is cold outside.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

It must be summer.

• Qualitative Observation

• Quantitative Observation

• Opinion

• Inference

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

The table top is smooth.

• Qualitative Observation

• Quantitative Observation

• Hypothesis

• Inference

Tags

NGSS.5-PS1-3

The penguin got pushed in.

• Qualitative Observation

• Inference

• Quantitative Observation

• Hypothesis

Tags

NGSS.3-LS2-1

The penguins are black and white.

• Qualitative Observation

• Inference

• Hypothesis

• Quantitative Observation

These kind of observations are made using instruments such as rulers, balances and thermometers.

• Qualitative Observations

• Quantitative Observations

• Scientific Observations

• Measured Observations

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS3-4

The child is most likely sad.

• Qualitative Observation

• Hypothesis

• Inference

• Quantitative Observation

Which statement is an inference about this picture?

• The van is tan.

• The van is inside the KFC.

• The wall is broken.

• Someone has already called 911.