1. Observation and Inference
Objectives
SWBAT differentiate between observations and inferences
Catalyst
What is the class Big Goal?
What is the proper procedure for walking in the class?

2. Always talkin’ ‘bout what you got…
Look at the beakers on my desk.
In groups, you have 5 minutes to write down as many statements about them as you can.

3. Observation
Key Point #1: An observation is gathering information about the world through our five senses
Examples:
I see that Mr. Jhaveri’s eyes are bloodshot
I hear that the music is loud
I smell that poo is stinky
I taste that chocolate is sweet
I feel that ice is cold when I touch it

4. Inference
Key Point #2: An inference is a belief made about an observation
Examples
I see that Mr. Jhaveri’s eyes are bloodshot. I infer that he did not sleep much last night
I hear that the music is loud. My parents probably want me to turn it down
I smell that poo is stinky. So I bet that I should not rub it on my body
Mr. Jhaveri should give chocolate to students as a reward, because chocolate tastes sweet.
I feel that ice is cold. So I believe that it will cool down my cold drink

5. The Difference
Key Point #3: Observations are facts, and can’t be wrong. Inferences are beliefs, and can be wrong.
Example:
Michael leaves the movie theatre, and sees that the ground is wet. So Michael thinks that it rained.
Call on students to give other possible explanations.
Observation: Andrew knows this by his sense of sight. Can’t be wrong.
Inference: explains the observation. But could there be any other reasons???

6. “Beyonce looks good” Not an observation!!! This is an inference!!!
It is not a fact that Beyonce looks good.
Some people disagree.
This is an inference!!!
Whoever said this believes that Beyonce is attractive because of facts: she has clear skin, shiny hair, an hourglass figure, etc.
Team points if they know who this is (they will, of course---it’s just an easy opportunity to participate. Gotta build that classroom culture!)
Ask them: O or I? Many will probably get it wrong. Then explain. Not every sentence that has the word “see” (or another one of the senses) is an observation!!!

7. Back it up like a pick-up truck
Go back to your beaker sheet.
Fold a new piece of paper in half. Sort the statements into observations on the left and inferences on the right
One sheet per person
Do this on your own
Can I get some volunteers to share their observations and inferences?

8. Candle Demonstration Observe. What do you notice?
Infer. What can you guess, based on your observations?
OH SNAP! What just happened? Observations, please!
OK, now give me some inferences!

9. Observation or Inference? Part I
This kid looks like a dork.
The cowboy hat is brown.
Cake tastes delicious.
The bandana is red.
I believe it is his birthday.
IP part 1. If time is running short, skip IP part 2.

10. Observation or Inference? Part II
Make five observations about the classroom, and three inferences based on those observations.
Observations Inferences 4. 5.

11. Key Point Wrap-up
Key Point #1: An observation is gathering information about the world through our five senses
Key Point #2: An inference is a belief made about an observation
Key Point #3: Observations are facts, and can’t be wrong. Inferences are beliefs, and can be wrong.

12. Exit Questions
In your own words, describe the difference between an observation and an inference.
Label the following statements as either observations or inferences:
Glue feels sticky
CP3 is the best basketball player in the NBA
Talib Kweli writes beautiful lyrics
Pickles smell gross
Christian hears the bell ringing