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Observation vs. Inference Wiki page created by Brittany, Dana, and Wendy What is observation: The process of using ones senses, sight, hearing, touch, smell, to gather information. One may also use instruments, such as microscopes, to assist senses.

Components of Observations:

• Senses: 5 senses except taste, and helping instruments to gather appropriate information

• Measurements: quantitative observation, when necessary

• Questions: gathering more information through questions

• Changes: use new information to make changes in observation

• Communication: ability to report observations

Inference: The process of interpreting observations using prior knowledge and experiences

Observations & Inferences Activity

Purpose: To practice making observations & Inferences

Background Information: One of the most important skills in science is that of

OBSERVATION. Most of the time we think of observation as something we do with our eyes; when we see something, we observe it. However, all five of our senses can be used to make observations: sight, hearing, taste, touch, and smell. A good scientist is observant and notices things in the world. She or he notices what’s going on in the world and becomes curious about what’s happening. Observing can include reading and studying what others have done in the past because scientific knowledge is collective. Observations in science are called DATA. We can make two kinds of observations: those that are FACTS, and those that are OPINIONS. Facts are those things that are true for everybody. A scientist looks seriously at information and attempts to avoid all sources of bias in making observations. Opinions are beliefs based on personal preference. An INFERENCE is an assumption or conclusion based on an observation. It is a logical interpretation based on observations and prior knowledge. Data may also be QUALITATIVE or QUANTITATIVE. Qualitative data is information that is hard to measure, count, or describe in numbers. It describes the qualities or characteristics of something. Examples are colors, tastes, and sounds. Qualitative data is recorded in DATA CHARTS. Charts may have numbers, pictures, or sentences. Quantitative data is information that can be expressed in numbers. If information can be counted or measured, then it is qualitative data. Tools are often used to collect qualitative data. Examples include amounts, temperature, mass, and length. Quantitative data is recorded in DATA TABLES: Tables contain numerical data.

Materials: Set of pictures

Procedure: 1. Work with your partner

2. Read the directions.

3. Create a data chart to record your observations and inferences.

4. Observe the first picture.

a. What do you observe? b. What can you infer?

c. Record your observations & inferences.

5. Observe the second picture. a. Now what do you think? b. Record your observations & inferences.

6. Observe the last picture.

a. Record your inferences based on your observations. Observations & Inferences Activity Objective: Students will be able to produce observations and Inferences with a set of given pictures. Students will be able to determine the difference between Observations and Inferences.

Summary: Students will be given a set of random pictures and asked to look at them carefully. After students have examined the picture students will be asked to list all of their observations and Inferences. Students will then record their observation and Inferences in a Data Chart. Students will continue this process with the 2nd and 3rd picture.

§112.11. Science, Kindergarten, Beginning with School Year 2010-2011. (2) Scientific investigation and reasoning. The student develops abilities to ask questions and seek answers in classroom and outdoor investigations. The student is expected to: (D) Record and organize data and observations using pictures, numbers, and words; and (E) Communicate observations with others about simple descriptive investigations.

References & Additional Resources Bass, J.E., Contant, T.L., Carin, A.A. 2009 Teaching science as inquiry. Boston, MA: Pearson Publications.

Science-class.net. (2012, April 12). Retrieved from http://www.science-class.net/NOS/observation.htm

http://www.tea.state.tx.us/index2.aspx?id=6148 Retrieved 4/17/12

http://www.slideshare.net/guest8cc62c/7-inferring Retrieved 4/17/12