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Mystery Footprints

Observation & Inference

Modified by Liz LaRosa www.middleschoolscience.com 2009-2015, from original posted at: http://www.science-class.net/NOS/observations/observations_inference.htm

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What does the word “observation” mean in science?

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Observations

  • Any information collected with the senses.

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  • The skill of describing scientific events
      • Quantitative – measurable or countable
          • 3 meters long
          • 4 marbles
          • 50 kilograms
          • 35 degrees Celsius

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      • Qualitative – described, not measured
          • red flowers
          • smells like fresh baked cookies
          • tastes bitter

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What does the word “inference” mean in science?

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Inference

  • Conclusions or deductions based on observations
  • The process of drawing a conclusion from given evidence

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Practice:

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You will close your eyes and quietly listen to 3 observations

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After the observations have been shared, write down your inference into your notes

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Do not share your inference until asked to do so

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Inference

Practice: Close your eyes and listen to the following observations:

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  • Open your eyes
  • Inference: Write down your inference, but do not share it with anyone yet

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    • I hear people screaming
    • I smell cotton candy, popcorn, and hamburgers
    • I see a lot of people

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What was your inference & why?

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Amusement Park

Day at the Beach

Sporting Event

Something else?

Share and Discuss

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Mystery Footprints

You will be asked to view a series of 3 images.

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Record 3 observations and 1 inference for each image.

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Do not share your observations or inferences until asked to do so.

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Image 1

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Record 3 OBSERVATIONS

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Make an INFERENCE

Share and Discuss

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Image 2

Record 3 OBSERVATIONS

Make an INFERENCE

Share and Discuss

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Image 3

Record 3 OBSERVATIONS

Make an INFERENCE

Share and Discuss

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Discussion Questions

  1. What event happened to cause these tracks? What is your hypothesis?
  2. How do your observations support your hypothesis?
  3. As a class, were there similarities/differences in our observations? In our inferences?
  4. Why was it important not to share our observations and inferences right away? Can your answers influence others?
  5. Can we know, with 100% certainty, how these footprints were formed? Why/Why not?

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Source of footprints graphic:��http://www.nap.edu/openbook.php?record_id=5787&page=89 as of 8/4/15

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Chapter 6: Activities for Teaching About Evolution and the Nature of Science."Teaching About Evolution and the Nature of Science. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press, 1998.

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This book can be downloaded for free at:

http://www.nap.edu/catalog/5787/teaching-about-evolution-and-the-nature-of-science