Observation and Inference

What is an observation?

• A measurement

• A hypothesis

• A prediction

• A property we detect with our senses 

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-8

What is an inference?

• An interpretation of what we observe.

• Something you write about in your journal.

• Something you see.

• Something you think will happen in the future.

What is the difference between observations and inferences?

• An inference is seeing and an observation is comparing.

• An observation is made with at least one of your senses, and inference is an interpretation of what you observed.

• An observation is seeing and an inference is comparing.

• An observation is what you know,  an inference is a random guess.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-8

Which statement about a major hurricane is an inference?

• The wind speed is 200 km/hr

• A rain gauge recorded 3 inches of rain in under one hour.

• Damage from the storm will be extensive.

• The central air pressure is recorded at 946 mb.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS3-2

Which of the following is a qualitative observation:

• The basketball player was 6'8" tall.

• The box is a cube.

• The object's mass is 150 kg.

• The car's speed is 30 mph.

Which of the following are quanitative observations (check all that apply):

• The banana skin is yellow.

• The pearl is very smooth.

• The box is a cube.

• The object's mass is 150 kg.

In order to make observations, an observer must always use:

• proportions.

• the senses.

• experiments.

• mathematical equations.

Tags

NGSS.MS-LS1-8

Which statement about a burning candle is most likely an inference?

• The flame is yellow.

• The candle wax is melting.

• The wick gets shorter as the candle burns.

• Carbon dioxide and water vapor are produced by burning.

Tags

NGSS.MS-PS1-2

Which statement made by a student after examining a rock specimen is an inference?

• The rock is gray with black flecks.

• The rock is of igneous origin.

• The rock has rounded edges.

• The rock contains large crystals.

Consider this picture of a young child. Indicate which of the following is an inference:

• The child is going Trick-or-Treating.

• The child is holding a decorated container.

• There is a white cloth draped over the child's head.

• There are holes in the white cloth.