1. observations vs inferences
(and Quantitative vs. Qualitative )

2. Scale for learning
(4) Highly Proficient
** (3) Proficient
I can complete all of the task at a 3 and identify situations in other classes and the real-world where it would be appropriate to use the scientific method
I can teach the tasks at a 3 to a friend or family member and explain my thinking
I can identify and explain all parts of the scientific method (observation/question, research, hypothesis, experiment, collect/analyze data, conclusion and variables)
I can work through the scientific method to complete an experiment and explain my findings using details from the lab
(2) Partially Proficient
(1) Minimally Proficient
I can identify and explain most of the steps of the scientific method
I can work through the steps of the scientific method to complete an experiment but I struggle when asked to explain my findings
With help from the teacher, I can identify and explain the parts of the scientific method
With help from the teacher, I can work through the steps of the scientific method to complete an experiment and explain my findings

3. Making Observations
You have 30 seconds to remember as much detail about the items on the next page.
The more detail the better.
At the end of 30 seconds, record everything that you remember from the slide.
You may not write while the pictures are still on the screen!

5. Times Up!
Write down as many items with as much detail as you can remember!

6. Observations
A good scientist is observant and notices things in the world
A good scientist is curious about what is happening around them
Observations are facts, not opinions.
Observations are made using your five senses or using tools.

7. Observations – two types
Two kinds of observations:
Qualitative: Uses your five senses see, smell, taste, hear, and touch.
Quantitative: Requires you to measure, count, etc.

8. Qualitative vs. quantitative
Qualitative: what we can see, hear, feel, smell, and/or taste
Qualitative observations are descriptive
Quantitative: what we can measure and count (amounts, length, volume, mass, temperature)
Quantitative observations are numerical
Video Link 1:
Video Link 2:

9. Starburst Observation lab: Qualitative vs. quantitative

10. Quantitative observations
Quantitative Observations/Data Collection
How many are there?
What is the length of one when it is wrapped?
What is the height of one when it is wrapped?
What is the length of all of them when they are fully unwrapped and lined up end to end.
What is the height of all of them when they are fully unwrapped and stacked up on top of each other.

11. qualitative observations
Qualitative Observations/Data Collection
What color is it? (list all of the colors)
What do you see on the wrapper? (be specific)
What shape is it?
How does it feel? (be descriptive)
How does it smell? (be descriptive!)
How does it taste? (each one will taste different!)

12. inferences
Inference: Drawing a conclusion based on data, observations, and evidence.
The process of drawing a conclusion from given evidence.
NOT the same as an observation
Making Inferences Video Clip (5:30) – watch video clip and stop along the way to state observations and make inferences based on the observations made.

13. Observations vs. inferences
Observations and Inferences Video Clip (6 min)

14. Making Inferences

16. Cat’s in the bag lab directions
There are 8 bags that will be rotating around the science lab groups.
Each station has a sealed bag with a school item in it (an item that was found in this classroom)
Your job is to make QUALATITIVE observations (What do you feel? What do you hear?)
Your job is to make QUANTATIVE observations as best you can through the sealed bag. (How many items inside?)
Remember: Be detailed and thorough in your observational recordings of the mystery cat bags!
After you gather all your observations and data, you will make a HYPOTHESIS as to what is inside by INFERRING about how the observations you made are related to a classroom object/item.

17. Cat’s in the bag lab directions

18. Observations – Using Touch and Sound only
Qualitative Observations
What does it feel like?
What does it sound like?
Are the items in the bag all of the same kind of items or are there different ones? What proof do you feel/hear?
Quantitative Observations
How many items are in the bag?