modified by Liz LaRosa www.middleschoolscience.com 2009, from original posted at:www.science-class.net/PowerPoints/Observation_Inference_8th.ppt

Observation & Inference

Objectives

Content: I can demonstrate understanding of observations and inferences by identifying examples of each using a PowerPoint.

Language: I can write to identify examples of observations and inferences using “The Boy in the Water,” and write to create my own examples of observations and inferences on an Observations and Inferences handout.

Let’s number Off

• I will give you a number!!!!

• Please record the number at the top of your paper (ISN).

Observations• Any information collected with the senses.

• Quantitative – mesurable 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

• The skill of describing scientific events

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

evidence.

Practice: • Observations:

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

• Inference = ?

Look at these two sets of animal tracks.

List 3 OBSERVATIONS: Use sentence Stems below

One observation I made is…

Another observation…

Last,

Make an INFERENCE: Use sentence Stem below

I infer that….

Think-Pair-Share

Remember to use scientific vocabulary:

• Observation

• Inference

OR

Sentence Stems:• I observed…

• I infer…

Now Share With Me

Now what do you think?

Make 3 OBSERVATIONS

Make an INFERENCE

Now what do you think?

Make 3 OBSERVATIONS

Make an INFERENCE

Activity Page

• The Boy in the Water!!!• Look at the picture:

• Discuss three observations with a partner• One observation I made…• Another observation…• Last,

• Take 3 minutes to determine if the statements are observations or inferences.• Timer

• Observation and Inferences Handout

OR• Make 10 Observations at home about your family,

and then make an inference about your observation.• Example:

• Observation: I walked in the front door and smelled lemon pledge.

• Inference: My mom must have just dusted the living room.

Homework!!!

Exit Ticket

Make an inference based on the observation below:Observation: Mrs. Giger walked into class with a frown on her face and blood-shot eyes.

Inference: I would infer that…

Identify the statement as an observation or an inference:

I feel the cold wind on my face.

Create your own example of an observation and inference:

Observation:

Inference: