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07 Observation & Inference Lab

The document discusses observations and inferences in science. It explains that observations are facts gathered through the senses, while inferences are judgments based on reasoning from evidence that may or may not be correct. The lab has students observe teacher activities and record observations and inferences to better understand the difference between the two concepts.

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Celeste Atienza Bawag
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601 views2 pages

07 Observation & Inference Lab

The document discusses observations and inferences in science. It explains that observations are facts gathered through the senses, while inferences are judgments based on reasoning from evidence that may or may not be correct. The lab has students observe teacher activities and record observations and inferences to better understand the difference between the two concepts.

Uploaded by

Celeste Atienza Bawag
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOC, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Observations & Inferences

Introduction
Science is knowledge. Science is observing. Science is inferring. Science is
experimenting. Science is gathering data. Science is questioning. All of these statements tell
something that is true about science. While you study science this year, you will perform many
activities and investigations that will improve your knowledge of science. Most importantly, by
doing these activities you will be using the same kind of reasoning and procedures that scientists
use. Learning by doing will be the key in really understanding what science is.
An observation is the act of taking notice and gathering data; the process of gathering
information using your senses. It is something you witness happening with your senses and
should be a fact if stated properly.
Infer or inference may be a new word to you. However, you infer or make inferences all
the time. An inference is a judgment based on reasoning from evidence or past experiences.
Example: You observe a sheet of paper being added to a pile of papers. An inference could be
that the pile got thicker. You could not see the pile get thicker, but your judgment tells you that it
did. An inference may or may not be correct.

LAB # 1-2

Observations & Inferences

MATERIALS: Paper & pencil


PURPOSE: In this investigation, you will discover how to think & communicate scientific facts
and inferences clearly. After completing this investigation, you will be able to:
Make more accurate scientific observations and state them clearly.
Make inferences
Recognize the difference between and observation and an inference.
HYPOTHESIS: None
PROCEDURE:
1. Your teacher will perform five different activities. Carefully listen and observe what is
taking place.
2. After each activity has been completed write what you have observed in Data Table 1.
Remember an observation is information gathered directly from your senses and should not
be disputable.
3. After completing step 2, list an inference about the activity in Data Table 2. Remember an
inference is a reasonable assumption about what you saw but may or may not be correct. Its
what you think it is or what you think happened.
4. After you have completed your observation and inference data tables, get together with your
lab partners and compare and contrast your findings. Sharing your information is important
to gathering data. However, never change your data simply based on what someone else has.

DATA TABLES: (make your date lines large enough to write in your data)
Data Table #1 - Observations
Activity

Observations

1
2
3
4
5
Data Table #2 - Inferences
Activity

Inferences

1
2
3
4
5
QUESTIONS:
1. Is an observation considered a fact?
2. Explain your answer to the question above.
3. Is an inference considered a fact?
4. Explain your answer to the question above.
ANALYSIS & REFLECTION should include: (remember at least one paragraph in complete
sentences)

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