Nature of Science Reviews

What is observation?

• Information gathered using the 5 senses

• A question based on past experience

• A prediction

• Information that only comes from measurements

What is an inference? 

• A random guess

• A prediction about our observations

• The same as an observation

• Deciding if an observation has numbers

Which of the following is an observation about this picture?

• The boy has fallen off his bike.

• The boy is in a lot of pain.

• The boy hurt his knees

• The boy learned his lesson about wheelies

Which of the following statements is an inference about the picture

• The vase is broken.

• The girl is wearing a red shirt

• The girl broke the vase

• The girl has blonde hair.

She is holding an umbrella

• observation
• inference

It is raining outside

• observation
• inference

The boy is not going to school today

• observation
• inference

The boy has a green blanket

• observation
• inference

Using any of your 5 senses to describe the world around you.

• Observation

• Inference

• Prediction

• Conclusion

Which of these is an observation?

• The dog is 4 years old.

• The dog is wearing a hat.