Observations vs. Inferences

What is an observation?

• A guess about why something happens

• Using your senses to gather information about the world

• A detailed explanation of a phenomenon

• A prediction about future events

Which of the following is an example of an inference?

• Noticing that the sky is blue

• Feeling that the surface of a table is rough

• Deciding that a plant grew because it was watered regularly

• Hearing birds chirping outside

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-5

What is the main difference between an observation and an inference?

• Observations can be wrong, but inferences are always right

• Observations are made with instruments, and inferences are not

• Observations are about the past, and inferences are about the future

• Observations are data we gather through our senses, and inferences are conclusions we draw from that data

Which of the following is an observation?

• The plant must need more sunlight

• The water feels cold

• It will rain tomorrow because the sky is dark

• The dog is barking because it is hungry

Identify the inference from the options below.

• The leaves on the tree are green

• The cake tastes sweet

• The car must have a flat tire because it is leaning to one side

• The book is on the table

Which of the following is an example of using observation to make an inference?

• Counting the number of seeds in an apple

• Predicting that a plant will grow taller if it is watered more

• Noticing that ice melts faster on a hot day

• Seeing a bird fly south for the winter and concluding it is migrating

What does it mean to make an inference in science?

• To use your imagination to guess what might happen

• To use observations to make a guess about something not directly observed

• To repeat an experiment to ensure accuracy

• To measure something precisely

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

NGSS.MS-PS1-2

Which of the following is a scientific observation?

• Believing that plants grow faster in sunlight

• The sound of thunder follows a flash of lightning

• Predicting that summer will be very hot

• Thinking that a rock is heavy before lifting it

Why is it important to distinguish between observation and inference in science?

• Because they are the same thing

• To ensure that conclusions are based on evidence rather than assumptions

• Because only observations are useful in science

• Because inferences are always incorrect

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-2

Which of the following statements is an inference?

• The chocolate melted in the sun

• The air smells like rain

• The ground is wet, so it must have rained

• There are four chairs around the table