1. Observation & Inference

2. Qualitative or Quantitative
Observations
Factors that are observed or noticed during an experiment.
Any information collected with the senses.
The description of a scientific event.
OBSERVATIONS ARE EITHER:
Qualitative or Quantitative

3. Qualitative Observations
Describe an object’s qualities.
Use the five senses:
Sight
Hearing
Touch
Smell
Taste
Are based on facts.
Describe what the object is like.
MAP TAP

4. Quantitative Observations
Describe quantities.
Use numbers as measurements or to count.
Scientists prefer quantitative observations.
MAP TAP

5. Inference The process of drawing a conclusion from given evidence.
Conclusions or deduction based on observations of available information.

6. Tracks like these are common in parts of New England and in the southwestern United States.
What do you OBSERVE?
What can you INFER?

7. Now what do you think?

8. Infer what happened based on your observations.

9. Source of graphic: http://bob.nap.edu/html/evolution98/evol6-e.html