1. Notes: Observations & Inferences

2. What is an observation?
Definition: Any information collected with the senses
Observations must be as specific as possible, not relative, so that it means the same to everyone.
-Example:
Incorrect: the burning bag smelled nasty
Correct: the burning bag smelled similar to rotten eggs

3. What types of observations can you make?
Quantitative – observations that involve making measurements or counting. These observations are recorded as numbers.
Example: Mr. Jones has two eyes
Qualitative – observations that use words because the event/object is not measurable
Example: Mr. Jones has blue eyes

4. Practice: Qualitative or Quantitative?
For each example decide if the observation is Qualitative (QL) or Quantitative (QNT).
1. The candy was sour
2. The snake was 2 m wide
3. The flower is red
4. The slug was slimy
5. The volume was turned up to level 8
6. The mass of the beaker is 122 g
7. My fingernail is 2 cm long
8. He has 3 sisters
9. It made a loud popping sound
10. The surface feels rough

5. What is an inference?
Definition: Possible explanation for observations
The process of drawing a conclusion based on observed evidence.
Practice:
Observations:
I hear people screaming
I smell cotton candy, popcorn, and hamburgers
I see a lot of people
Possible Inference = ?

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

7. Now what do you think?
Make 3 OBSERVATIONS
Make an INFERENCE

8. Now what do you think?
Make 3 OBSERVATIONS
Make an INFERENCE

9. Inferences can change with more information!
How did your inferences changed through the 3 slides?

11. Observation vs. Inference Assignment
Task: Create your own summary sheet to show the difference between observations and inferences.
How to write notes:
Option 1: Copy the notes as they are written on the PowerPoint Printout
Option 2: Rewrite notes in your own words
PICTURES and/or WORDS ARE OKAY!! (Examples on the next slide)

12. Requirements: Needs to be one full page Needs to have color
Definition of Observation
Definition of Qualitative Observations
At least one example of a qualitative observation
Definition of Quantitative Observation
At least one example of a quantitative observation
Definition of Inference
At least one example of an inference

13. Examples: