Observation Vs. Inference

1. Observation Vs. Inference A super quick overview

2. Observation • Observations are how we gather information with our 5 senses • Seeing • Hearing • Smelling • Tasting • Feeling • There are two types of Observations • Qualitative • Quantitative

3. Observations • Qualitative observations describe what we observe • Qualitative = quality • These observations use adjectives • Examples: • Mrs Ganske’s nose has many freckles. • Tlaloc (out betta) is blue.

4. Quantitative observations measure what we observe • Quantitative = quantity (number) • Examples: • This classroom has one window. • The raised bed vegetable garden is 1 meter x 2 meters.

5. Observations • Both types of observations are valuable in science • Quantitative observations are more precise and more easily compared • The pianist played fortissimo loudly. • The pianist played fortissimo at 103dB. • Some things are easier to quantify than others. We can use things like surveys or other tools to quantify a quality. • On a scale of 1 – 10, how smelly was your brother’s shoe?

6. Inferences • Inferences are an explanation of an observation you have made. • Observations are made with your 5 senses • Inferences are based on past experiences and prior knowledge • Inferences are often changed when new observations are made

7. Inferences • Observation: • The grass on the front lawn is wet • Possible Inferences • It rained • The sprinklers were on • There is dew on the grass • A dog peed on the grass • All of these inferences are possible explanations for why the grass is wet. Each inference is something I have observed before (prior experience / knowledge)

8. PRACTICE • Partner up • Share your homework from last week (collage of the characteristics of life) • Choose 1 picture from you partner’s collage to focus on. Write 5-8 observations about the picture (be sure to do both quantitative and qualitative observations) • Exchange observations with your partner. See if your partner can guess which picture you were describing • Repeat steps 3-5 until the teacher calls time • Now work together to write 3-5 inferences about two of the pictures you observed