1. Qualitative and Quantitative Observations and making Inferences
Science
8th Grade

2. Qualitative Observations
Describe an object with a “Quality”
Your perception or description using your five senses:
Sight
Hearing
Touch
Smell
Taste
Are based on facts.
Describe what the object is like.
MAP TAP

3. You Try It!
Pretend you are in this picture. Describe it using qualitative observations.
MAP TAP

4. You Try It! Did you remember to describe: What you would see?
What you would hear?
What it would feel like?
How it would taste?
How it would smell ?
MAP TAP

5. Quantitative Observations
Describe using a “Quantity”.
A count, Number or Amount usually using a Scientific Instrument.
Scientists prefer quantitative observations.
MAP TAP

6. Quantitative Observations
Uses Scientific Instruments
1. Ruler = LENGTH or WIDTH
2. Balance or Scale = MASS
3. Graduated Cylinder or Beaker = VOLUME
4. Thermometer = AMOUNT OF HEAT ENERGY
5. Stopwatch or Clock = TIME
6. Calculator = AMOUNT

7. INACCURATE OBSERVATION
MAP TAP
INACCURATE OBSERVATION
USING YOUR OPINIONS
(UGLY, GROSS, DELICIOUS, NICE, PRETTY, YUMMY, )
USING RELATIVE TERMS
(Big-Little, Short-Tall, Hot-Cold, Fat-Skinny)
Quantitative and Qualitative Observations

8. PRECISE and ACCURATE OBSERVATION
Precise observations gives more information than imprecise observations.
Precise observations gives more scientific information
Which is most precise and accurate?
It looks real big It is real heavy
It is heavy as a rock It’s mass is 1000 grams

9. Inference “An Explanation for an Observation”
-conclusion drawn from an observation that attempts to explain or make sense of the observation.

11. 1. Make two Qualitative Observation about the picture above.
2. Make two Quantitative Observation about the picture above.
3. Make two Inferences about the picture above.

12. Oil Painting Example Qualitative Observations
*red/green color, gold frame
*smells old and musty
*texture shows brush strokes of oil paint
*peaceful scene of the country
*masterful brush strokes
It was drawn by an 8th grader
It was clipart from google images
*picture is 10" by 14”
with frame 14" by 18”
* weighs 8.5 pounds
surface area of painting is 140 sq. in.
*cost $300
Quantitative Observations
Inference

13. Latte Example Qualitative Observation Quantitative Observation
*robust aroma
*frothy appearance
* chocolatey taste
*glass cup and saucer
It is going to be too hot to drink.
It is made at an expensive restaurant .
*12 ounces of latte
*serving temperature 1500 F.
*serving cup 7 inches in height
*cost $4.95
Inference

15. Make 4 OBSERVATIONS MAKE 4 INFERENCES
MAP TAP
Make 4 OBSERVATIONS MAKE 4 INFERENCES
What Happened Here?
How many animals were here?
What were they doing?
What kind of animals were they?
Were they all here at the same time?
What are the clues that can help you guess the answers to these questions? Think about all of the possibilities, and then write a report using your best guess about the story behind these footprints
Quantitative and Qualitative Observations

16. MAP TAP
The Metric System
Scientists use the metric system when measuring.
The metric system is based on the number 10, so converting in the metric system is easy – just move the decimal point!
Quantitative and Qualitative Observations

17. Basic Units in the Metric System
MAP TAP
Basic Units in the Metric System
Meter –(m) – measure distance
Liter – (l) – measures volume
Gram – (g) – measures mass (weight)
Quantitative and Qualitative Observations

18. Prefixes in the Metric System
MAP TAP
Prefixes in the Metric System
King
Kilo (k) - base times 1000
Hecto (h) – base times 100
Deca (dk) – base times 10
BASE (meter, liter, or gram)
Henry
Died By
Drinking
Deci (d) – base divided by 10
Centi (c) – base divided by 100
Milli (m) – base divided by 1000
Chocolate
Milk
Quantitative and Qualitative Observations

19. To Convert In the Metric System:
MAP TAP
To Convert In the Metric System:
Put an “X” on the amount you know.
_____ ______ _____ ___X__ _____ ______ _____
K H D B D C M
36.54 m = ______ cm

20. To Convert In the Metric System:
MAP TAP
To Convert In the Metric System:
Put an “X” on the amount you know.
Put a “?” on the amount you are trying to find.
_____ ______ _____ ___X__ _____ __?___ _____
K H D B D C M
36.54 m = ______ cm

21. To Convert In the Metric System:
MAP TAP
To Convert In the Metric System:
Put an “X” on the amount you know.
Put a “?” on the amount you are trying to find.
Count from the “X” to the “?”. 2
_____ ______ _____ ___X__ _____ __?___ _____
K H D B D C M
36.54 m = ______ cm

22. To Convert In the Metric System:
MAP TAP
To Convert In the Metric System:
Put an “X” on the amount you know.
Put a “?” on the amount you are trying to find.
Count from the “X” to the “?”.
Move the decimal point the same number of places in the same direction. 2
_____ ______ _____ ___X__ _____ __?___ _____
K H D B D C M
36.54 m = _3654._ cm

23. To Convert In the Metric System:
MAP TAP
To Convert In the Metric System:
Put an “X” on the amount you know.
Put a “?” on the amount you are trying to find.
Count from the “X” to the “?”.
Move the decimal point the same number of places in the same direction.
Add zeroes if necessary to be able to move the decimal point.
Quantitative and Qualitative Observations

24. To Convert In the Metric System:
MAP TAP
To Convert In the Metric System:
Put an “X” on the amount you know.
Put a “?” on the amount you are trying to find.
Count from the “X” to the “?”.
Move the decimal point the same number of places in the same direction.
Add zeroes if necessary to be able to move the decimal point.
If the number doesn’t have a decimal point, put it at the end of the number.
Quantitative and Qualitative Observations