1. OBSERVATIONS & INFERENCES
Scientists use Observations and Inferences to describe the world around them.

2. Fold the edges of the foldable to the center line of the observation and inference columns
Cut the dashed lines on the flaps only to the fold
With the flaps folded over the observation inferences, on the front of the flaps
Label the top left flap- Observation
Label the top right flap – Inference
Label the bottom left flap Qualitative
Label the bottom right flap Quantitative
Using the next slide, on the inside /backside of each flap : Write a definition/description of observation, qualitative, and quantitative.

3. Quantitative Observation Qualitative Observation
Information gained from using the senses.
Based on FACT, not opinion or prior experience.
OBSERVATION
Quantitative Observation
Describes the AMOUNT of something
Involves NUMBERS and MEASUREMENT
How much, how many, mass, volume, length
EXAMPLE:
3 meters long
55 marbles
86 kilograms
105 points
31 students
Qualitative Observation
Describes the QUALITY of something
Something NOT EASILY MEASURED
Color, texture, general size, shape, smell, taste
EXAMPLE:
The ball was BLUE.
The grass was LONG.
The rock felt SMOOTH.
The cake was DRY.
The wheel was SQUEAKY.

4. On the next slide practice identifying observation and inferences
On the next slide practice identifying observation and inferences. Record your answers on the back of the foldable.

5. TEACHER NOTE: You can do this as a class and write answers on the Smart Board. Students DO NOT have to write this in their notebook.

6. Use the information on the next slide to write the definition/description of inference on the inside/backside of the inference slide.

7. There can be many different INFERENCES based on the same OBSERVATIONS.
EDUCATED GUESS based on observations
What the observer THINKS or ASSUMES based on what they observe
Inference statements can start with…
“I think…”
“It looks like…”
“Maybe…”
“This could mean…”
There can be many different INFERENCES based on the same OBSERVATIONS.

8. Think of your answer. DON’T SHARE IT WITH ANYONE YET.
PRACTICE
Where could you be based on these observations?
I hear people screaming.
I smell cotton candy, popcorn, and hamburgers.
I see a lot of people.
Think of your answer. DON’T SHARE IT WITH ANYONE YET.

9. Mystery Footprints You will be shown a series of 3 images.
On the inside center of the foldable, Record 3 observations and 1 inference for each image. Remember – OBSERVATIONS ARE FACT, INFERENCES ARE “I THINK…”

10. Image 1
In the first row,
Record 3 OBSERVATIONS
Make an INFERENCE

11. Image 2
In the second row, Make 3 new OBSERVATIONS about this new image. Then make 1 new INFERENCE based on the entire picture.

12. Image 3
On the third row Make 3 new OBSERVATIONS about this new image. Then make 1 new INFERENCE based on the entire picture.