Transcript Observation vs. Inference

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
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Discuss with your group what you SEE (or hear, smell, feel, taste) or can
observe about what is happening in this picture. Remember, observations
are when you use your senses to find out about the world around you.
Identify, communicate and record these 3 observations.
Discuss with your group what you can INFER, which is a conclusion based
on your observations.
Identify and communicate and record your INFERENCE. Your inference is
when you use prior knowledge to explain the observations you made from
this picture.