Science 7
Notes 1
Scientists
Observation
Inference
Theory
Differentiate between
observations, inferences, and
theories
Scientists are people who study things and try to explain how they
What are
scientists?
work.
Scientists study the world around them; things like
What do
scientists study?
• the ocean and its creatures
• Volcanoes
• Machines
Scientists identify observations that occur over and over and
What do
scientists do?
then explain why it happens. This is a theory.
Scientists work with data

Scientists perform investigations (experiments) to collect
this data

Scientists make accurate observations.

Some observations require scientists to make measurements.
Measurements help in describing properties of matter.
What is an
observation?
An observation is data collected using your 5 senses
1. Sight
4. Hearing
2. Smell
5. Taste
3. Touch
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Science 7
Notes 1
An inference is a conclusion based on the observations
What is an
inference?
Example:
Observations:
1) ___________________________
What is the
2) ___________________________
difference
3) ___________________________
between a
4) ___________________________
hypothesis and an
inference?
Practice making
hypotheses and
Inferences:
inferences
1) ___________________________
2) ___________________________
3) ___________________________
4) ___________________________
A theory is a prediction (like an inference) but is based on repeated
experimentation, developed to explain how a phenomenon occurs.
Example: The theory of evolution
What is the
difference
between a theory
• An inference is an assumption based on observation, past
experience, and previous knowledge.
• Inferences are NOT the RESULT OF AN EXPERIMENT
and an inference?
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