Observations versus Inferences
Observation
noticing the properties of an object or event with one or more of the five senses (sight, hearing, touch, smell, and taste)
Snails and slugs are both have the same clear slimy substance.
Inference- explanation that they have the same slime base on information.
The milkweed bugs like to eat sunflower seeds.
Inference: this is an assumption about what milkweed bugs might like.
The crickets were sitting next to each other in the middle section under the light. They looked happy together.
Inference: this is an assumption because you don't know that they are happy.
Both crickets were making chirping noises, communicating with each other.
Inference: this is an assumption that when two things make noise they are speaking with each other.
The chimpanzees groom each other to maintain social relationships.
Inference: this is an explanation about why they groom each other.
The birds are chirping as a warning for possible danger.
Inference: this is an explanation for why they are chirping.
I think that they are trying to convince each other to come over to the other side.
Inference: this is expressing an opinion by saying I think....
There are 10-gallon glass terrariums in the science room.
Observation
The snails are are cover in a clear slimy substance.
Observation- something that you could notice by looking at the snail.
The bug with the two dots laid eggs.
Observation- this is something that you could notice by watching the bug.
The birds are chirping.
Observation: this is something that you can notice by listening.
The two birds are singing similar songs.
Observation: this is something that you can notice by listening.
The chimpanzees use tools to eat ants.
Observation: this is something that you can notice happening by watching.
The chimpanzees groom each other.
Observation: this is something that you can watch happen.
The milkweed bugs eat sunflower seeds.
Observation: this is something that you can watch happen.
One cricket was sitting in the dirt; the other was sitting in the sand.
Observation: this is something that you could use sight to notice about the crickets.
An observation is something you notice, witness, or see. An inference is something you conclude by putting together different pieces of evidence.
Write you own example of an observation.
An observation is something you notice, witness, or see. An inference is something you conclude by putting together different pieces of evidence.
Write your own example of an Inference.
Inference
an explanation or assumption that people make based on their knowledge, experiences, or opinions.