Inferences vs. Observations

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 top of the table is smooth.

• Qualitative Observation

• Quantitative Observation

• All of the above

• Inference

The penguin got pushed in.

• Qualitative Observation

• Inference

• Quantitative Observation

• All of the above

The penguins are black and white.

• Qualitative Observation

• Inference

• All of the above

• Quantitative Observation

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

• Qualitative Observations

• Quantitative Observations

• Scientific Observations

• All of the above

The child is most likely sad.

• Qualitative Observation

• All of the above

• 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.

Using data, prior knowledge, and observations to draw a logical conclusion or the process of drawing a conclusion based on evidence.

• Quantitative Observation

• Inference

• Qualitative Observation

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-1

NGSS.MS-LS2-4