Observations vs. Inferences

Objectives Make detailed observations using labeled diagrams and sentences. Make logical inferences based on my observations and understand they can change with new or better observations

Observations Any information collected with the senses. Qualitative – describable, not measureable red flowers smells like fresh baked cookies Tastes bitter Quantitative – measureable or countable 3 meters long 4 marbles 50 kilograms 35 degrees Celsius The skill of describing scientific events

Inferences Conclusions or predictions based on observations. Practice: Observations: I hear people screaming I smell cotton candy, popcorn, and hamburgers I see a lot of people Inference = ?

Inferences Conclusions or predictions based on observations. Practice: Observations: I hear people screaming. I smell cotton candy, popcorn, and hamburgers. I see a lot of people. Inference = You are at an amusement park.

Note the Differences While conducting labs, make observations NOT inferences. Inferences may be used when writing the conclusion in your lab report. Now let’s test your observation skills…

Question 1 Are there cars parked on the sides of the road?

Question 2 What color is the pickup truck driving in the road?

Question 3 What type of vehicle is driving in the other lane?

Question 4 What does the blue sign say?

Question 5 What's the speed limit?

Question 6 Are there any pedestrians on the road?

Answers Yes Blue Yard Sale 35 mph No

In science, observations are important to collect information. Much of what we know about the world around us is because of observations that we have made.

Observation vs Inference On the next slide, discuss with your elbow partner whether the statement is an OBSERVATION or an INFERENCE. HINT: Observations are ALWAYS TRUE There should never be disagreement about an observation Inferences may be RIGHT or WRONG The same observations can produce different inferences

OBSERVATION or INFERENCE? – discuss with your elbow partner 1. There is a representation of a face on one side of the coin. 2. The Latin word "Dei" means "God." 3. The coin was made by deeply religious people. 4. The date 1722 is printed on one side of the coin. 5. The coin was made in 1722. 6. The face on the coin is a representation of the nation's president.

Now you try… Look at these two sets of animal tracks. List 3 OBSERVATIONS Make an INFERENCE

Now what do you think? Write an observation. Make an inference.

What do you think now? Write an observation. Make an inference.

With new observations, an inference may change.