7 th Grade Science Your Name Your Period September 23, 2004

Definition of Observation An observation is a statement made by the use of your five senses. An example of an observation is: First hour science class has enough desks for 24 students.

Qualitative Observations The definition of qualitative observations are those observations that do not include numbers. An example of a qualitative observation is: The classroom walls are yellow.

Quantitative Observations The definition of quantitative observations is that they are observations that include numbers. An example of a quantitative observation is: There are 7 yellow folders on the cabinets in room 44B.

Inferences The definition of an inference is that it is an attempted explanation of an observation. An example of an inference: The aquarium will be used to raise fish. The above inference was based on the observation that the room has an aquarium.

Inferences, continued A reasonable inference is based on a correct explanation of the observation. An example of a reasonable inference is: Observation: The room has an aquarium. Reasonable Inference: The aquarium will be used for fish.

Inferences, continued An unreasonable inference is not based on a correct explanation of the observation. An example of an unreasonable inference is: Observation: The room has an aquarium with water in it. Unreasonable Inference: The aquarium will be used for animals.

The End!