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Page 1: Observations & Inferences - PBworkssalibiscience.pbworks.com/.../Activity.Inference.Observation.pdf · 8 Observations & Inferences Activity Targets: In this investigation, you will

8

Observations & Inferences Activity

Targets: In this investigation, you will discover how to think & communicate scientific facts

and inferences clearly. After completing this investigation, you will be able to:

Make more accurate scientific observations and state them clearly.

Make inferences

Recognize the difference between and observation and an inference.

Introduction

Science is knowledge. Science is observing. Science is inferring. Science is

experimenting. Science is gathering data. Science is questioning. All of these statements tell

something that is true about science. While you study science this year, you will perform many

activities and investigations that will improve your knowledge of science. Most importantly, by

doing these activities you will be using the same kind of reasoning and procedures that scientists

use. Learning by doing will be the key in really understanding what “science is.” The key

components of science are observations & inferences and knowing the difference between them.

An observation is the act of taking notice and gathering data; the process of gathering

information using your senses. It is something you witness happening with your senses and

should be a fact if stated properly.

Infer or inference may be a new word to you. However, you infer or make inferences all

the time. An inference is a judgment based on reasoning from evidence or past experiences.

Other synonyms for inference are suggestion, assumption, presumption, conjecture or guess to

name a few. Example: You observe a car accident where one car ran into the back of the other

and the rear car’s brake lights did not come on. An inference could be the rear driver did not see

the car in front and did not apply their brakes. You could not see their foot motion, but your

judgment tells you that he didn’t. An inference may or may not be correct.

Procedure

1. Working in your lab teams (4) you will find a container with various numbered items. Each

item has a number on it that corresponds to the activity number listed below.

2. Follow the instructions below for each activity

Activity 1: Examine the item marked #1. Make observations and write them in on Data

Table #1. Make inferences and write them on Data Table #2.

Activity 2: Examine the item marked #2. DO NOT REMOVE THE LID or OPEN THE

CONTAINER. Make observations about the item(s) inside the container and write them in

on Data Table #1. Make inferences and write them on Data Table #2.

Activity 3: Come to the front of the room to pick up the glass beaker with a clear liquid in it.

You have one container marked with a 3 on the bottom. Pour the material from the glass one

to the empty one. Make observations and write them in on Data Table #1. Make inferences

and write them on Data Table #2.

Activity 4: You have three containers, two have liquids in them, and one has some solids.

Place one solid in each of the liquids. Make observations and write them in on Data Table

#1. Make inferences and write them on Data Table #2.

Activity 5: There is a brown paper bag marked #5. DO NOT OPEN/RIP THE BAG. Make

observations about the item(s) inside the bag and write them in on Data Table #1. Make

inferences and write them on Data Table #2.

Activity 6: Your teacher will perform an activity for the class. Make observations about the

task. Make observations and write them in on Data Table #1. Make inferences and write

them on Data Table #2.

Page 2: Observations & Inferences - PBworkssalibiscience.pbworks.com/.../Activity.Inference.Observation.pdf · 8 Observations & Inferences Activity Targets: In this investigation, you will

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Data Table- Observations & Inferences

Activity Observations Inferences

1

2

3

4

5

6

QUESTIONS:

1. Is an observation considered a fact?

2. Explain your answer to the question above.

3. Is an inference considered a fact?

4. Explain your answer to the question above.