Notes: Observation, Inference, Prediction
Observation: Using your five senses to describe something Smell, Touch, Taste, Sight, Hear Examples There are 11 desks in the room. There are mountains at the bottom of this slide.
What are some observations you can make about this photo?
Inference: An explanation or interpretation of an observation based on prior experiences and/or supported by observations made in the investigation Examples: It must be hot outside since the sun is shining. The bird on the feeder is hungry.
What are some inferences you can make about this picture?
Prediction: Using current observations and prior experience to state what will happen in the future. Examples: It will be mostly sunny tomorrow. Falling off your bike will cause skinned knees.
What are some predictions you can make about this picture?
Observations, Inference, or Prediction? 1. The cat is wearing a lime on it’s head. ______ 2. The cat is going to go on a motorcycle ride. _____ The cat likes eating limes. ________ Somebody put the lime on the cat’s head. _____ The lime is green. _____ The cat likes wearing the lime helmet. ______ The cat is going to take the lime helmet off. ____
Two Types of Observations: Qualitative Observation: Any observation that refers to the condition or appearance of something Quantitative Observation: Any observation that involves a number.