Observation vs. Inference

Starring Homer J. Simpson

Observation

Observation: •when studying something describe only facts that you can see, touch, taste, smell and hear. •you are not making any guesses.•NOT AN OPINION!!

Ohh… This liquid is green and it is leaking from a brown can. It smells like a sewer.

Inference

Inference: • using your observations to make a guess about an object or an outcome•based on prior knowledge or experience.•THIS CAN BE A SCIENTIFIC OPINION.

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

Prediction

Prediction: • a statement or claim that a particular event will occur in the future.•Scientists use research and many observations to make predictions.•THIS IS AN EDUCATED GUESS.

Based on my research and observations, I predict that the toxic substance will contaminate the pond and the frogs will change color.

Hypothesis

Hypothesis: • a prediction that can be tested.•Scientists use research and many observations to make a hypothesis.•THIS IS AN EDUCATED GUESS.

Based on my research and observations, I hypothesize that if a frog’s color is related to the toxic substance, then the frog will change color when exposed to the toxic substance.

Group Practice

• Draw three columns under today’s NPH. Label column 1- “Observations” and label column 2- “Inferences” and label column 3- “Prediction”.

• List some observations and inferences about the following picture. Then make a prediction.

Individual Practice• Write your name on the note card provided. On your note card,

please write down 2 observations and 2 inferences about the following picture. Then make a prediction.

Qualitative Observation

Qualitative Observation:

•when studying something describe only facts that you can see, touch, taste, smell and hear.

• you are not making any guesses. • NOT AN OPINION!!

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

Quantitative Observation

Quantitative Observation:

•when studying something describe only facts that you can measure. •you are not making any guesses. •scientists use SI units!•THIS IS NOT AN OPINION!!

Ohh… 5 liters of liquid has leaked from a 2-kiloliter can. It is leaking at a rate of 5 mL/sec.

Group Practice

• Draw two columns under today’s NPH. Label column 1- “Qualitative Observations” and label column 2- “Quantitative Observations”.

• List some qualitative and quantitative observations about the following pictures.

Individual Practice• Flip your note card over. Observe your hand. On your note card,

please write down 2 qualitative observations and 2 quantitative observations.