INTRODUCTION TO SCIENCE

SCIENCE SKILLS
An observation is something you can
find out with your senses.
An inference is an explanation of an
observation. Like an educated guess.
A prediction is a forecast of what a
future observation may be. Predictions
are based on your observations and
what you already know.

MAKING INFERENCES
You can usually make several different inferences
from the same observation.
Observations are correct, provided the observer has
been careful and honest in reporting the
observations. However, inferences made from these
observations can be incorrect. They can be tested
by further observations.
It is important not to confuse observations and
inferences. Otherwise you may think something is a
fact when it is only an educated guess.

CAN YOU LIST THE 5 SENSES AND

DRAW A PICTURE REPRESENTING
EACH ONE?

S_ _ _ _
S _ _ _ _
T _ _ _ _
T _ _ _ _
H _ _ _ _ _ _

ACTIVITY
Write down as many different observations, inferences and
predictions you can think of in a table like this:
Observation (5
senses)

Inference (educated
guess)

Prediction (estimate)

It is sunny outside today

It is hot today

The temperature is 33
degrees

It is raining outside

It is cold outside

The temperature is 12
degrees

The baby is crying

The baby must feel sick

It could have a cold

The curry is spicy

It contains chilli

About 3 chillies

The class is in 306 is

noisy

They must be having a

party

Maybe a farewell party