1. Warm Up On the Observation vs. Inference page in your IAN:
Write down (at least!) 4 observations and 2 inferences about the following picture.

2. What is an Observation?
Ohh… This liquid is green and it is leaking from a brown can. I also smell it.
A factual statement based on information gathered from the five senses.
There are 2 types:
-Qualitative
-Quantitative
Observation Words: Hear See Taste Smell Fact Measured Statement

3. Quantitative & Qualitative Observations
Quantitative – measureable or countable
3 meters long
4 marbles
50 kilograms
35 degrees Celsius
Qualitative – describable, not measureable
red flowers
smells like fresh baked cookies
Tastes bitter

4. THIS CAN BE A SCIENTIFIC OPINION
What is an Inference?
Using observations to make a guess or testable hypothesis about an object or an outcome
THIS CAN BE A SCIENTIFIC OPINION
Based on my observations, I think that is can is old and leaking a toxic substance.
Inference Words: Judgment Opinion Conclusion Explains Interpretation

5. What do you think? Observations: I hear people screaming
I smell cotton candy, popcorn, and hamburgers
I see a lot of people
Inference = ?

6. Look at these two sets of animal tracks.
Picture 1:
Look at these two sets of animal tracks.
List an OBSERVATIONS
Make an INFERENCE

7. Picture 2: Now what do you think? Make an OBSERVATIONS
Make an INFERENCE

8. Picture 3: Now what do you think? Make an OBSERVATIONS
Make an INFERENCE

9. Activity Page www.middleschoolscience.com/footprints-isn.pdf
In your science notebook, write your conclusion.

10. Bullseye Comparison
Draw a 2 topic bull’s eye in IAN: -Name one side of the bullseye “observation,” and the other side “inference.” -Differences between the two topics belong on outside sections, similarities belong in the center.