Observation and Inference

Step 1
Observation and
Inference
Observations and Asking Questions
When using the scientific method, one of
the first steps involves making observations
on a topic of interest.

It involves using the five senses to see, hear,
taste, touch, or smell whats going on in the
world!
Observation
observation : using one or more of our senses to
gather information and take note of what occurs
example : I hear people screaming. I smell
cotton candy. I see roller coasters.
* causes us to ask questions
* two types :
1. qualitative: descriptions in words
2. quantitative: numbers
Suppose a marine biologist observes the
behavior and activities of dolphins.

She identifies different dolphins within the group
and observes them every day for a month.

She records detailed observations about their
behaviors. Some of her observations are
qualitative data and some are quantitative data.
Types of Observation
Directions : Identify her observations as qualitative or
quantitative.
* The sonar frequency most often used by the dolphins is
around 100kH.

* Dolphin colors range from gray to white.

* There are nine dolphins in this pod.
Directions : Identify her observations as qualitative or
quantitative.
* Dolphins in a pod engage in play behavior.

* Dolphins have smooth skin.

* Dolphins eat the equivalent of 4-5% of their body mass
each day.
Qualitative Observations :

1. Dolphin colors range from gray to white.
2. Dolphins in a pod engage in play behavior.
3. Dolphins have smooth skin.
Observation Challenge
Quantitative Observations :
1. The sonar frequency most often used by the
dolphins is around 100kH.

2. There are nine dolphins in this pod.
3. Dolphins eat the equivalent of 4-5% of their
body mass each day.
Observation Challenge
Inference
After we make observations, our brain makes
logical conclusions about our observations
called inferences.

inference : a logical explanation that helps us make
sense of what we observe
*observation : I hear people screaming. I smell cotton
candy.
*inference : Im at the fair!
Observation Inference
That plant is
extremely wilted.

The car stopped

running.

The Rays are

leading their
division.
That plant is extremely

wilted due to a lack of
water.

The car stopped running

because it was out of gas.

The Rays are leading their

division because they are
playing well.
Lets Practice
Directions :
In this activity, you will read each observation. Then
write an inference that could possibly explain the
observation.

Remember, the inference MUST be logical!
Lets Practice
1. Observation : The flowers grew taller on the front porch than
on the back porch.
Inference : Flowers on the front porch received more sun.

2. Observation : The teacher hands Alysha her test back and
Alysha smiles.
Inference : Alysha received a good grade on her test.

3. Observation : The principal calls a student from the classroom.
Inference : The student is in trouble.
Lets Practice
4. Observation : You leave the school and see the street is wet.
Inference : It rained during the school day.

5. Observation : The lights in the classroom are off.
Inference : The students are at lunch.

6. Observation : You hear a siren going past your house.
Inference : There is an emergency somewhere nearby.
Lets Practice
7. Observation : You see a child crying as she and her mother
leave the store.
Inference : The child didnt get what they wanted at the
store.

8. Observation : Your dog is barking at the front door.
Inference : The dog saw a stranger nearby.

9. Observation : At lunchtime, the sky begins to get very dark.
Inference : It is going to storm.
Lets Practice
10. Observation : All the students in class have brought their
lunches from home.
Inference : They are going on a field trip.

Look at these two sets of animal
tracks.

List 3
OBSERVATIONS

Make 1 INFERENCE
Now what do you think?
Make 3 OBSERVATIONS
Make 1 INFERENCE
Make 3 OBSERVATIONS
Make 1 INFERENCE
Look at these two sets of animal
tracks.

List 3
OBSERVATIONS

Make 1 INFERENCE
Make 3 OBSERVATIONS
Make 1 INFERENCE
Make 3 OBSERVATIONS
Make 1 INFERENCE
Mystery Footprints
In your notebook, write a three
sentence summary about what you
learned from the Mystery Footprints
activity.

Observation and Inference

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Step 1

The car stopped

The Rays are

That plant is extremely

The car stopped running

The Rays are leading their

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