Observations and Inferences in Science

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Observations
Use one or more of the 5 senses to gather
information,

A noting and recording of facts. Can be quantitative or qualitative. Example: there is an adult standing at the
front of the classroom.
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Inferences
Logical interpretation based on prior
knowledge and experience,

Based upon observations, Example: the adult standing at the front of

the classroom is a teacher.

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Questions for discussion .....

How do observations relate to the nature of
science? science?

How do inferences relate to the nature of In what cases might observations be quantitative?
How about qualitative?

Do observations rely upon the scientic method? If they are being used in the scientic method, in
which part is each used?
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Making observations activity 1

Individually, make as many observations as you can in 30 seconds.

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Did you simply see or did you observe?

Answer rst individually, then in pairs and then in a group.

Are there cars parked on the side of the

road?

What colour is the pick up truck driving on

the road?

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Are there any minivans? What does the blue sign say? What is the speed limit?

Making observations activity 2

Get into pairs. One person is to be the observer the
other is the investigator.

Observers may look at a picture for 30 seconds.

Investigators are not allowed to see it.

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Making observations activity 2

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Did you simply see or did you observe?

Investigators are then allowed to ask observer
questions.

Investigators must then recreate the scene based on

the observations made by the observers. After completing in pairs, compare as a group.

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Questions for discussion .....

How did the observations compare between
different people? Explain. or why not?

Was this task difcult for the observers? Why Was this task difcult for the investigators?
Why or why not? difculty?

How did collaborating impact upon the

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Observations or inferences?

There is a representation of a face on one side of the coin. The Latin word Dei means God. The coin was made by deeply religious people. The date 1722 is printed on one side of the coin. The coin was made in 1722. The face on the coin is a representation of the nations president.

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Being objective when making observations.

How many legs does the elephant have?

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Being objective when making observations.

What do you see?

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Being objective when making observations.

How images can be seen in this single image?

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Being objective when making observations.

Compare these lines.

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Being objective when making observations.

Is this the same or different images? Do they show the same or different things?

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Being objective when making observations.

What animal do you see?

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Being objective when making observations.

Do you see a picture or
a word?

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Questions for discussion .....

How might perspective impact upon a
scientists ability to make objective observations? in science? method?

In what ways does this relate to collaboration In what ways does this relate to the scientic

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a) Complete the following in your journal: Observation Inference What was observed. Sense/s used.

b) Share your observations with another scientist. Discuss your observations and explain your inferences. c) Reect on your strengths and weaknesses as a scientist.
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