Notes: Observations & Inferences

What is an observation? Definition: Any information collected with the senses Observations must be as specific as possible, not relative, so that it means the same to everyone. -Example: Incorrect: the burning bag smelled nasty Correct: the burning bag smelled similar to rotten eggs

What types of observations can you make? Quantitative – observations that involve making measurements or counting. These observations are recorded as numbers. Example: Mr. Jones has two eyes Qualitative – observations that use words because the event/object is not measurable Example: Mr. Jones has blue eyes

Practice: Qualitative or Quantitative? For each example decide if the observation is Qualitative (QL) or Quantitative (QNT). 1. The candy was sour 2. The snake was 2 m wide 3. The flower is red 4. The slug was slimy 5. The volume was turned up to level 8 6. The mass of the beaker is 122 g 7. My fingernail is 2 cm long 8. He has 3 sisters 9. It made a loud popping sound 10. The surface feels rough

What is an inference? Definition: Possible explanation for observations The process of drawing a conclusion based on observed evidence. Practice: Observations: I hear people screaming I smell cotton candy, popcorn, and hamburgers I see a lot of people Possible Inference = ?

Look at these two sets of animal tracks. List 3 OBSERVATIONS Make an INFERENCE

Now what do you think? Make 3 OBSERVATIONS Make an INFERENCE

Now what do you think? Make 3 OBSERVATIONS Make an INFERENCE

Inferences can change with more information! How did your inferences changed through the 3 slides?

Observation vs. Inference Assignment Task: Create your own summary sheet to show the difference between observations and inferences. How to write notes: Option 1: Copy the notes as they are written on the PowerPoint Printout Option 2: Rewrite notes in your own words PICTURES and/or WORDS ARE OKAY!! (Examples on the next slide)

Requirements: Needs to be one full page Needs to have color Definition of Observation Definition of Qualitative Observations At least one example of a qualitative observation Definition of Quantitative Observation At least one example of a quantitative observation Definition of Inference At least one example of an inference

Examples: