Observation vs Inference

Information gathered using your 5 senses.

• Observation

• Inference

Tags

NGSS.2-PS1-1

The river is toxic.

• Observation

• Inference

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-4

NGSS.MS-LS2-4

The 2 men are wearing black.

• Observation

• Inference

They are celebrating.

• Observation

• Inference

The child is sick.

• Observation

• Inference

Can be influenced by personal experiences and background knowledge

• Observation

• Inference

What is an inference? 

• Just a guess.

• A statement based off of your observations. 

• The same as an observation. 

• Examples of something. 

Which of the following statements is an inference of the picture?

• A student is roasting a marshmallow

• Two students are listening through cups

• The teacher is not in the classroom

• A student is setting off a rocket

Read each statement. Then choose whether the statement is an observation, inference, or prediction.
I can jump high in tennis shoes because they have rubber on the bottom. 

• Observation

• Inference

• Prediction

Read each statement. Then choose whether the statement is an observation, inference, or prediction.

The container is filled to the 350 mL mark.

• Observation

• Inference

• Prediction