Being the Scientist Objective To learn the difference

Being the Scientist… Objective: To learn the difference between observation, inference and prediction. Bell work: 1. What does it mean to observe? What do YOU think? 2. Make 5 observations about the picture to the right. What did YOU find? © 2015 Getting Nerdy, LLC

What is an Observation? Using your 5 senses to gather information about your surroundings. This includes using your sight, sense of smell, taste, your hearing, and your sense of touch. All observations are statements that describe a fact. What are some observations you can make about the picture above? © 2015 Getting Nerdy, LLC

How it Looks, or How Many…? There are two types of observation: Qualitative: observation of a characteristic Quantitative: observation that is measured or measurable. Provide an example of each type of observation on your paper using the picture above. © 2015 Getting Nerdy, LLC

How Do You FEEL About it? Observations can also be SUBJECTIVE or OBJECTIVE Subjective observations are based on your opinion or experience. Objective observations are free of bias, personal opinion, or emotion. Can you make a SUBJECTIVE observation about this picture? What about an OBJECTIVE observation? © 2015 Getting Nerdy, LLC

What is an Inference? To use information gathered during observations to make an educated guess about things that are not necessarily seen or known. Inferences are our way of interpreting the data we collect as we draw conclusions about a situation. Make an inference about the picture above and write it on your paper. © 2015 Getting Nerdy, LLC

What is a Prediction? A forecast of what will happen in the future based on evidence or past experiences. Scientists make predictions about what will happen in their experiments… it’s called a HYPOTHESIS! Make a prediction about the picture above and write it on your paper. © 2015 Getting Nerdy, LLC

What You Do: Examine thepictures pictureonon paper. Make THREE Examine the your paper. Read the statements OBSERVATIONS, THREE Then, INFERENCES, and TWO that go with each picture. on the line provided, say PREDICTIONS about the picture. whether each statement is an (O) observation, (I) inference or (P) prediction. How did YOU do? 432 Picture 1 © 2015 Getting Nerdy, LLC