Observations involve using the 5 senses to gather direct information about surroundings, while inferences are conclusions based on evidence that attempt to explain observations. The document provides an example of a class field trip where students make observations of fossil imprints on a rock and inferences about what organisms may have left the imprints. It notes that scientific knowledge comes from both observations and inferences, with inferences being tentative and able to change as new data is obtained.
3. -Using your 5 senses to gather information about your surroundings What you “see” happening Observation
4. -A conclusion based on evidence -An “educated guess” What you “think” is happening Inference
5. “Notice all the computations, theoretical scribblings, and lab equipment, Norm….Yes, curiosity killed these cats.”
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8. Field Trip! The class is on a field trip to a fossil bed in Alberta, Canada. While exploring the site, you discover a slab of rock covered with interesting impressions. The teacher invites the class to make observations and inferences about the imprints…
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12. -Scientific knowledge is a combination of observation and inference. -Inferences are tentative. -As you get new data, your inferences can change. Why is this important in Science?
