Name: ________________________________________
Date: ____________________
Observation or Inference?
DEFINE: What is an Observation?
DEFINE: What is an INFERENCE?
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Scientists digging into the past base conclusions about their finds on partial evidence. They have to be able to tell the
difference between a fact and an inference. Here’s your chance to tell the difference between a fact and an
inference. Here’s your chance to practice scientific reasoning! Suppose you are in charge of a group of
paleontologists that study preserved bones and are digging at a fossil site. Someone screams, “EUREKA!” When you
go over to investigate, you observe these fossilized bones. Based upon your observations of the bones above,
which of these statements is an observation(O) and which is an inference(I)?
Statement
1. The fossil find includes a jaw bone.
_________
2. The person who screamed “EUREKA!” uncovered a fossil find. _________
3. This animal had sharp, dagger-like teeth. _________
4. This animal ate other animals. _________
5. This animal used its sharp claws to kill prey. _________
6. This animal walked on land. _________
7. This animal was a vertebrate (had a backbone). _________
8. This animal had fur or other body covering to keep warm. _________