SNC1D

OBSERVATION vs. INFERENCE

Scientists try to make sense of the things happening around them. When patterns or similar events are
___________________, these are used to help explain causes and effects.

Making ___________________ involves _________________________________ or new information

with _________________________________.

What inferences would you make for the following observations?

Observation Inference
You observe the sky is getting darker at noon.

The principal interrupts your science class and

calls a student from the room.
You leave the movie theatre and see that the
parking lot is wet.

Identify whether each of the following statements is an observation or an inference. Write the correct
word in the space provided.

Statement: Observation or Inference?

a. She is a smart girl _____________________

b. The car is red and has a sunroof. _____________________

c. She has strong arms, so she must exercise. _____________________

d. He ran the 100m dash in 24s. _____________________

e. I hear people screaming, so someone is hurt. _____________________

f. I can count 15 hamburgers. _____________________

g. I smell cotton candy, so there must be a party. _____________________