1. Scientific Observations and Inferences

2. Observations Any information collected with the senses.
QUANTITATIVE
The skill of describing scientific events
Measureable or Countable
3 meters long
4 marbles
50 kilograms
35 degrees Celsius
QUALITATIVE
Describable, Not Measureable
red flowers
smells like fresh baked cookies
Tastes bitter

3. Inference Conclusions or deductions based on observations.
The process of drawing a conclusion from given evidence.

4. Learning Goal
Students will be able to make correct scientific observations and scientific inferences .

5. Let’s Practice Close your eyes…
Observations:
I hear people screaming
I taste cotton candy
I smell popcorn, and hamburgers
I see a lot of people
I feel grass under my feet
Inference = ?

6. Fill in the blanks with one of the following words: OBSERVATIONS
Fill in the blanks with one of the following words: OBSERVATIONS INFERENCE
One of the most important skills in science is the use of our five senses, to make ____________________. Most of the time we think of observing as something we do with our eyes; when we see something, we observe it. However, all five of our senses can be used to make observations: sight, hearing, taste, touch, and smell. A good scientist is observant and notices things in the world. He or she notices what’s going on in the world and becomes curious about what’s happening.
After we make observations, our brain makes logical conclusions about our observations called ____________________.

7. Mystery Footprints

8. GLUE PAGE INTO SCIENCE NOTEBOOK

9. MYSTERY FOOTPRINTS ACTIVITY
SLIDE 1
SLIDE 2
SLIDE 3
Observation 1
Observation 2
Observation 3
Inference

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

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

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

14. Lesson Sources Sources of Graphics
Mystery Footprints PowerPoint Lesson modified by Nancy Magnuson2011 from original post by: Liz LaRosa
Activity Worksheets Adapted from:
Sources of Graphics
Detective:
Jelly Beans:
Footprints: