Part 1: Science Vocabulary

Observation: Information gathered by using one or more of your five senses. An observation describes what you notice without guessing.

Inference: A reasonable explanation or conclusion based on observations and evidence. An inference may change when new evidence is found.

Word Bank: observation inference evidence sight sound smell taste touch

1. Information gathered directly by using your senses is called an ____________________.

2. A conclusion based on observations and evidence is called an ____________________.

3. The five senses provide ____________________ that scientists use to make inferences.

4. Complete the sentence: I use my sense of ____________________ to notice whether a surface is rough or smooth.

Part 2: Separate Observations from Inferences

Read each situation. Write one observation and one inference. Use specific evidence from the situation.

5. You see dark clouds, hear thunder, and feel cool drops of water on your arm.

Observation:

Inference:

6. A sealed lunch container feels warm. You smell cinnamon, and a small amount of steam escapes when the lid opens.

Observation:

Inference:

7. A student says, “The plant needs water because its leaves are drooping.” Identify the observation and the inference in this statement.

Visual clues: 👀 A shiny black rock with white streaks 👂 A soft buzzing sound 👃 A strong lemon smell ✋ A cold, bumpy surface

Use the visual clues and your own safe classroom observations. Never taste an unknown object.

8. Choose two senses that could help you study the rock. Explain what each sense could tell you.

9. Write one observation and one inference about the soft buzzing sound. Your inference must include the evidence that supports it.

10. Observe one safe classroom object. Record three observations using different senses. Then write one inference.