Observations and 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

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

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

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-LS2-4

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

Which of the following is a direct observation?

• The soil is moist

• The plant grows faster in the shade

• Tomorrow will be sunny because today is cloudy

• The car is not starting because the battery is dead

What is an observation for this picture?

• The man is scared
• The man is going to be attacked by the shark

• There is a person in a kayak with a shark behind it

• The man is paddling fast

What is an inference for this picture?

• The kayak is yellow

• The man is going to be attacked by the shark

• There is a person in a kayak with a shark behind it

• It is a sunny day.