Evidence and Investigation

OBSERVATIONS
VS
INFERENCES
https://edu.rsc.org/download?ac=525329
What is an Observation?
 What is an Observation?
An observation is what one sees. Observation can be said to be a
factual description and is something we can experience using our
senses
sight (eyes)
hearing (ears)
taste (tongue)
touch (skin)
smell (nose)
What is an Inference?
 What is an Inference?
An inference is an assumption of what one has seen, an explanation,
or educated guess based on connecting our background knowledge
with evidence.
 Observation and Inference in Science
When drawing a conclusion, you need to take care that it is consistent
with the evidence.
As apart of this you need to know the difference between and
observation and an inference.
an observation is what is actually seen (fact).
an inference is interpreting what is seen (educated
guess).
THE PROBLEM
A team of scientists found fossilized
footprints (observation).

By observing the shape, size, and

arrangement of the footprints we can
infer what happened.

Your challenge is to work out what

happened on that date 10,000 years
ago when the footprints were made.
 Exit Slip

What is an
Observation?