OBSERVATION VS INFERENCE LESSON PLAN

Teacher: Aneni Materials/Resources:

Course: 7th/8th Grade Obs/Inf Wks PPT , non-transparent jar
Science w/ pencils
Compelling
Topic/Investigation:
Becoming a chemist
Lesson Title: Learning Target(s):
Observations/Inferences I can…distinguish between an observation
Assessment: Assessments and an inference and explain how they relate to
for Learning: performing experiments.
PROVE IT/
Accommodations:

Ti Descript Details
me ion
If you reach into a box and feel thin strands of slimy noodle-
like material, what would you think immediately?
5 Catalyst
Can you say that the material is definitely spaghetti? Why or
why not?
Ask students how they use observations in their everyday lives – our
favorite example is to ask students what we keep in our filing
cabinet. Most say “PAPER!” Can they see the paper though? Not
with the drawers closed! We then open the drawer to reveal to them
that we do, in fact, keep our papers and files in there. That opens
up discussion about how “seeing” the paper constitutes an
observation while “guessing” or “inferring” papers are in there
Introducti without actually seeing them is an inference. That discussion then
10
on leads into the meaning of an observation and takes us into a
conversation about the five senses and how they help us to gather
information about our surroundings. We sum it all up by comparing
the definition of observation to that of an inference.
Remind them to cite evidence of their reasoning and that, while their
thoughts and words are what we want them to record, options such
as “I don’t know” or “because I think it is” are not acceptable
answers.
15 Mini- Use a presentation to discuss the differences between observation,
Lesson inference, and prediction. Be sure to talk about the types of
inferences – qualitative and quantitative – and provide them with a
few example pictures to practice with or just make observations,
inferences and predictions about the classroom and world around
you.

Introduce observations/inferences as what we notice about things

and make conclusions (decide what they are or what they must be).
Show definitions (students copy) and have students comment on
shoe example.
Show “importance for science” distinguish between both (on board)
 Show footprint slides and have Ss make obs/inferences (make T
chart on white board)

Go over first 4-6 guided practice (have students raise I and O in sign
language) then have Ss work with partners.
Applicati
Remind Ss we will do our PROVE IT after independent practice and
20 on
that will let them know whether they mastered the LT and are ready
Explore
for the quiz/unit test.

Sharing/ Review any difficult independent/guided questions,

3
Debrief

Unit exam Qs:

1. Which of the following is TRUE about observations?
(a) Observations should be made using your five senses (sight,
Assessm
smell, etc.)
ent/
5 For the following three statements, write the letter “O” if it is an observation or
Reflectio
the letter “I” if it is an inference on you answer sheet.
n:
2. “It smells like fresh baked chocolate chip cookies.”
3. “It’s going to snow.”
4. “It feels like a cotton ball.”
5. For the image on the right, WRITE one observation and one inference
Homewor none
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