1. Observations vs. Inferences

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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 = ?

5. 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.

6. 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…

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

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

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

11. Question 4
What does the blue sign say?

12. Question 5
What's the speed limit?

13. Question 6
Are there any pedestrians on the road?

15. Answers
Yes
Blue
Yard Sale
35 mph No

17. 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.

18. 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

19. 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.

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

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

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

23. With new observations, an inference may change.