Observations vs. Inferences “YOU CAN OBSERVE A LOT JUST BY WATCHING.” -YOGI BERRA

Observations  Receiving knowledge of the outside world through our senses, or recording information using scientific tools and instruments.  Any data recorded during an experiment can be called an observation.  There are two types of observations  Qualitative  Quantitative

Inferences  An inference is an idea or conclusion that's drawn from observations and reasoning.  Only a possible explanation, or opinion  Based on your past experiences and prior knowledge.  Inferences are often changed when new observations are made.  Use inference when writing the conclusion for an experiment

Here are some examples!  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 from the morning.  A dog urinated on the grass!  All of these inferences could possibly explain why the grass is wet. They are all based on prior experiences. We have all seen rain, sprinklers, morning dew, and dogs going to the bathroom.

Here are some examples!  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.  Again, these are all logical explanations for why the fire alarm is going off.

Last one!  Observation : A student is sitting in the main office.  Possible inferences : ? Why might a student be sitting there ?

Predicting  Making an inference about a future event  Based on current evidence or a past experience  Use prior knowledge!  Ask yourself – “What do you think is going to happen?”

Observation Activity #1  Take a good look at this picture

Observation Activity #1 ?’s  Are there cars parked on the side of the street?  What color is the pickup truck driving in the road?  Are there minivans on the road?  What does the blue sign say?  What is the speed limit?

Observation Activity #2 Choose several people to be observers and choose two people to be investigators.  Allow the observers to look at the picture for 30 seconds. The investigators should not look at the picture.  After 30 seconds, the investigators should begin questioning the observers. Each Investigator should question each observer. Then, the Investigators should attempt to reconstruct the scene based on the "eyewitness testimony".

Are the lines parallel

Is this still or moving?

Read this out loud

What is this a picture of?

 Is this a picture of a lady or a word?

Summary: Observation, Inferring, Predicting  Observation Look closely at the picture. List observations.  Inferring Use your observation skills to make an inference about what has happened. What experience or knowledge did you use to make the inference.  Predicting Predict what will happen next. What evidence or experience did you base your prediction?