Observation vs. Inference OBJECTIVE: You will be able to explain the difference between an observation and an inference. You will be able to make observations and inferences of the reptiles at the herpetology center.

Word DefinitionPicture Observation finding out about something using your five senses (see, touch, hear, smell, taste)

Word DefinitionPicture Inference a possible explanation for observations Example – if you observe a ring, you infer marriage!

What happened with the fossil footprints? Think of 2 observations. List them on the back of your note sheet. Plan on sharing them with the class. What happened with the fossil footprints? Think of 2 inferences List them on the back of your note sheet. Plan on sharing them with the class.

Word DefinitionPicture Law A scientific statement based on observations (can be proven) Example: Law of gravity

Word DefinitionPicture Theory A scientific statement based on inferences (cannot be proven) Example: Theory of Reletivity

Questions 1. Which of the following statements would be an observation? a. the mail has not been delivered yet because the mailbox is empty b. the sky is overcast and it’s raining c. I think the plant need water because I haven’t watered them for 2 days d. Water droplets in the air cause a rainbow 2. Suppose your friends went to the beach at noon on a warm day. They saw some black and white birds. Which of the following statements would be an inference? a. The birds were black and white. b.They ate lunch and drank Coca-Cola. c.It is summertime. d.One friend’s name was Bob.