1. Observations Observations: We use our senses to gather information about the world around us. Who remembers the different between a qualitative and quantitative observation?

2. Inferences Inference: Explaining your observations to come up with a conclusion. What does this mean in 7th grade terms?

3. Making Inferences You are at the counter in the office to get a bus pass signed. You see a student leave the principal’s office crying and upset. We could make an inference as to why the student is upset. Could be in trouble (ISS, OSS, expelled) Family problems at home (sick, accident) Student not feeling well Student has poor grades (failing, retention)

4. Observation VS Inferences –Observation – Based on the five senses: Sight Smell Touch Taste Hearing –Inference – Based on prior knowledge or opinion

5. Observation vs Inference List 3 Observation List 3 Inferences

6. Observation vs Inference List 3 Observation and 3 Inferences

7. Observation vs Inference List 3 Observation List 3 Inferences

8. Observation vs Inference List 3 Observation List 3 Inferences

9. Observation vs Inference List 3 Observation List 3 Inferences

10. Predictions Guessing what will happen NEXT based on your observations Ex: If, on a sunny day, you observe a massive line of dark clouds quickly advances, what prediction can you make?

11. Predictions vs. Inferences Predictions and Inferences can be confused easily Inference: What is happening NOW based on observations Prediction: What is GOING TO happen based on observations

12. Observations, Inference, or Prediction? 1. The cat is wearing a lime on it’s head. ______ 2. The cat is going to go on a motorcycle ride. _____ 3.The cat likes eating limes. ________ 4.Somebody put the lime on the cat’s head. _____ 5.The lime is green. _____ 6.The cat likes wearing the lime helmet. ______ 7.The cat is going to take the lime helmet off. ____

13. Resources: http://teachers.henrico.k12.va.us/highland springs/meade_j/Units/Unit%201/Unit%20 1,%20Part%201%20Notes.PPT#289,43,E xperimental Design http://www.cobb.k12.ga.us/~dickerson/sci %20method.ppt#256,1,Scientific Method