1. Observations and inferences
notes

2. observations Using one or more of your 5 senses.
Your 5 senses are ___________, ____________, ___________, _____________, ____________.

3. Observations cont.
Extra Challenge! Can you name the units these devices are measured in?
People and scientists use devices from technology, or even microscopes to help gather observations. Examples Include:
Barometer
Thermometer
IR Detector
Anemometer
Hygrometer

4. Observations cont. Thoughtful observation is clear and detailed!
How can we make these examples more detailed?
The principal interrupts class and calls a student from the room.
A siren is heard going past the school.

5. 2 types of Observations Quantitative Observations:
Involve numbers, or an amount.
Example: I have 2 text messages on my phone.
Now you try an example:
2. Qualitative Observations:
Involve descriptions that cannot be expressed with numbers.
Example: The car is blue. The gum has a grape flavor.

6. inferences
When you explain the things you observe, you are inferring, or making an ‘inference’.
You make inferences ALL THE TIME!
Example: Your friend smiles after getting back a test. What would your inference be?
That your friend received a good score on the test?
Are Inferences always correct?
No! Your friend could be smiling for another reason, nothing to do about the test.

7. inferences
Write 2 Observations for this picture: Make an inference based on your two observations:

8. inferences
Write 2 observations for this picture: Make an inference based on your two observations:

9. inferences
Read the following observations. Then make inferences that explain each observation. Remember there may be more than one logical explanation.
You observe that the sky is getting dark at noon.
_________________________________________________________________________
All 5th grade students are bringing lunch from home.
A former rock band member has poor hearing.
__________________________________________________________________________

10. Inferences: more practice
4. You leave a movie theater and see that the street is wet. ________________________________________________________________________ 5. During a handshake, you notice the person’s hand has blisters. 6. The classroom lights are off. 7. Mrs. Makar has a rocks and minerals poster in her room.

11. Inferences cont.
In your notebook, create your own observation in our classroom. Ask an elbow partner to make an inference and record their response.