Let's Make Some Observations Lab Activity
Page 9 of 10
Now that you know the definitions of observation, inference, (non-scientific) hypothesis, and hypothesis, you are going to look back over your second set of hummingbird video observations and decide which items you listed are really observations and which are inferences, instead. Remember: An observation tells WHAT happens; an observation never attempts to explain why. An inference is a conclusion based upon observation and experience. An inference often does attempt to explain why something happened, and when that is the case, we call it a hypothesis.
Now, you will open a spreadsheet containing the list of your observations and the observations made by your classmates. When the new page opens, scroll up or down until you see your name or the name of your group. In the column to the right of your name, you should see the list of observations you made the second time you viewed the video. Follow the instructions at the tops of the third and forth columns. Click HERE to open the spreadsheet with your observations.
Now, you will open a spreadsheet containing the list of your observations and the observations made by your classmates. When the new page opens, scroll up or down until you see your name or the name of your group. In the column to the right of your name, you should see the list of observations you made the second time you viewed the video. Follow the instructions at the tops of the third and forth columns. Click HERE to open the spreadsheet with your observations.