Warm Up

On the Observation vs. Inference page in your IAN:

Write down (at least!) 4 observations and 2 inferences about the following picture.

What is an Observation?

A factual statement based on information gathered from the five senses.

There are 2 types:-Qualitative-Quantitative

Ohh… This liquid is green and it is leaking from a brown can. I also smell it.

Observation Words: Hear See Taste Smell Fact Measured Statement

Quantitative & Qualitative Observations

• Quantitative – 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

What is an Inference?

Using observations to make a guess or testable hypothesis about an object or an outcome

THIS CAN BE A SCIENTIFIC OPINION

Inference Words: Judgment Opinion Conclusion Explains Interpretation

Based on my observations, I think that is can is old and leaking a toxic substance.

What do you think?Observations:

• I hear people screaming• I smell cotton candy, popcorn, and hamburgers• I see a lot of people

Inference = ?

Picture 1:

Look at these two sets of animal tracks.

List an OBSERVATIONS

Make an INFERENCE

Now what do

you think?Make an OBSERVATIONS

Make an INFERENCE

Picture 2:

Now what do you think?

Make an OBSERVATIONS

Make an INFERENCE

Picture 3:

Activity Page

www.middleschoolscience.com/footprints-isn.pdf

In your science notebook, write your conclusion.

Bullseye ComparisonDraw a 2 topic bull’s eye in IAN:

-Name one side of the bullseye “observation,” and the other side “inference.”

-Differences between the two topics belong on outside sections, similarities belong in the center.