Observing, Inferring, Predicting

Front

What is observing?

Back

Using your senses to learn about an object or event.

Front

What is inferring?

Back

Suggesting an explanation for observations based on past experiences.

Front

What is predicting?

Back

Using observations and prior knowledge to tell what will happen in the future.

Front

What is a qualitative observation?

Back

An observation that describes qualities or characteristics, such as color or texture.

Front

What is a quantitative observation?

Back

An observation that involves measurement and numbers, such as length or weight.

Front

Give an example of an observation.

Back

Seeing that the sky is cloudy.

Front

Give an example of an inference.

Back

If the ground is wet, you might infer that it rained.

Front

Give an example of a prediction.

Back

If it is cloudy, you might predict that it will rain.

Front

What is the difference between observing and inferring?

Back

Observing is using senses to gather information, while inferring is explaining what those observations mean.

Front

Why is predicting important in science?

Back

It helps scientists form hypotheses and test their ideas.