Aim: What is the difference between an Observation and an Inference? Do Now: Sit with your groups and finish the “Testing a Hypothesis” activity. HOMEWORK: DO “THE SIMPSONS” WORKSHEET

What is an Observation? Definition: describing something you are studying, using only facts that you can see, touch, hear or smell. An observation is not an opinion.

Observations Use one or more of the 5 senses to gather information A noting and recording of…. FACTS!!! Example: There is one TV in the room.

What is an Inference? Inference: using your observations to make a guess about an object or an outcome.

Inferences Logical interpretation based upon prior knowledge and experience Based upon observations Example: When you entered the room, you most likely inferred that the individual in the front of the room is the teacher.

What are the differences? Observation – Senses – Fact – If precise, shouldn’t change Inference – What you think is happening – Situational – Can change

Which one is used in the lab? In laboratory exercises, record observations NOT inferences Inferences may be used when writing the conclusion in your lab report.

Identify if you observe or if you infer ◦ We can OBSERVE that the turtle is on the stump. ◦ We can OBSERVE that the stump is too high for the turtle to climb on. ◦ We can INFER that someone put the turtle on the stump. ◦ We can __________________that someone is smiling. ◦ We can _______________that they are happy. ◦ We can __________that a student is writing down their homework. ◦ We can __________that they are a successful student.

Let’s Practice On your sheet, provide 1 observation and 2 inferences from the check below.

State which of the following are Observations and which are Inferences 1. There is a representation of a face on one side of the coin. 2. The Latin word "Dei" means "God." 3. The coin was made by deeply religious people. 4. The date 1722 is printed on one side of the coin. 5. The coin was made in The face on the coin is a representation of the nation's president.

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

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

Look at this set of animal tracks. List 3 OBSERVATIONS Make an INFERENCE

List 3 OBSERVATIONS Make an INFERENCE

After you saw the whole picture would you go back to change any of your previous inferences?