Observations, Predictions, and Inferences 7-1.3Explain the reasons for testing one independent variable at a time in a controlled scientific investigation. (observation)

BrainPop Review: 5 facts

Engage: List as many observations as you can about the following.

Observations Gathered information using our 5 senses: – sight, smell, hearing, taste, touch Two types – Qualitative – Quantitative

Qualitative Observations DESCRIBE what is observed “qualitative” = quality (descriptive) use adjectives! Example: – The football leather is brown and rough.

Quantitative Observations Quantitative observations MEASURE what we observe “quantitative” = quantity (numbers) Use numbers to measure something Example: – The football is 25 centimeters.

How to Make A Qualitative Observation Quantitative Observation: the fish is smelly! Now rate the fish from 1-5 in smelliness to make this observation quantitative

Inferences Definition: – Explanation for an observation based on past experiences and prior knowledge Often change with new observations Inferences help explain observations

Inferences Observation: – The grass on the school’s front lawn is wet. Possible inferences: – It rained. – The sprinkler was on. – There is dew on the grass in the morning. – A dog urinated on the grass! All of these inferences could possibly explain why the grass is wet. They are based on prior experiences.

Inferences Observation: – The school fire alarm is going off. Possible Inferences: – The school is on fire. – We are having a fire drill. – A student pulled the fire alarm.

Inferences Observation: – A student is sitting in the main office. Possible inferences: – ?

Predictions What you think will happen based on the text, the person/author, and background knowledge. Educated guess.

Predictions vs. Inferences Will be proven at the end May or may not be explained at the end May not be about what happens next

Guessing Game! Guess whether the following examples are: observations inferences predictions

The bell is ringing. – Observation

The boy has tear in his eye, so I think he is sad. – Inference

The dog is going to burp. – Prediction

There is a lot of red in the painting, so I think the artist was mad. – Inference

The cell phone is making noise. – Observation

The quiz is going to be easy. – Prediction

The dog has 3 legs. – Observation

The kids are smiling so I think they are happy. – Inference

My mom is angry. – Inference

I am going to do all my homework. – Prediction

The cat is closing its eyes so I think it’s dead. – Inference

The cat is on top of the table. – Observation

The fire is moving. – Observation

The fire might be alive. – Inference