The document discusses the key differences between observations and inferences in scientific research. Observations involve direct observations using the senses, and can be either quantitative (involving measurements) or qualitative (involving descriptions). Inferences are interpretations or conclusions made based on observations combined with prior knowledge. The same observations can lead to different inferences from different people. Observational studies involve making observations without experimental manipulation to learn about a problem or phenomenon.

1. Effective science teaching also requires teaching about the nature of science . Scientific knowledge is the product of observation and inference. Observations and Inferences

2. OBSERVATIONS AND INFERENCES Essential Question How do scientists use observations and inferences? Warm up Look at the drawing. What do you notice? What do you think happened?

3. How does your story change? Observations and Inferences

4. How does your story change? Observations and Inferences

5. What do you observe? What do you infer? Compare what you think now to your earlier written accounts. Observations and Inferences

6. Observations and Inferences Observations are what you notice Inferences are your reactions, thoughts or explanations

7. Write one observation. Write one inference. Observation Use of your five senses. What do you see? What do you feel? What do you hear? What do you taste? What do you smell? Can use instruments(Thermometer, microscope, balances etc.) Inference Attempt to explain your observations. Must use accurate data and observations.

8. Write one observation. Write one inference.

9. Write one observation. Write one inference.

10. Write one observation. Write one inference.

11. Write one observation. Write one inference.

12. Write one observation. Write one inference.

13. Write one observation. Write one inference.

14. Write one observation. Write one inference.

15. Quantitative / Qualitative Observation Quantitative observations are ones that are based on a QUANTITY. These would be measurements. Weight Height Length Qualitative Observations. These are based on characteristics. Color Size Texture

16. Obsertainer Lab Activity to simulate and introduce how scientists observe things they cannot "see” Students used their observation skills to determine the inner configuration of a closed container by making indirect observations and using the scientific method. The goal is not to guess what specific object is in the Obsertainer, but to describe the shape or configuration sufficiently to make a sketch of the inside.

17. Scientific Method Scientists do two main types of studies. Experimental Observational Control, Test Study, Observe, analyze

18. Experimental Study To answer a question or solve a problem through a test. Problem Background information Hypothesis Experiment Analyze data Conclusion

19. Observational Study Can’t always test so scientist will OBSERVE and try to learn that way. Problem: What kind of life is in a pond ecosystem? Observation: Go out into the pond and make observations and collect specimens. Analyze data: Study specimens. Conclusion: Talk about what you learned.

20. Observations and Inferences Scientific knowledge is developed from a combination of both observations and inferences. Observations are made from information gathered with the five senses, often augmented with technology. Inferences are logical interpretations derived from a combination of observation and prior knowledge. Together, they form the basis of all scientific ideas.

21. Summary What is the difference between an observation and an inference. What is the difference between a quantitative observation and a qualitative observation. How can people have different inferences about the same observations. What is an observational study?