Qualitative
and
Quantitative
Observations
and making
Inferences
Science
8th Grade
Qualitative Observations
 Describe
an object with a “Quality”
• Your perception or
description using your
five senses:
–Sight
–Hearing
–Touch
–Smell
–Taste
• Are based on facts.
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• Describe what the
object is like.2
You Try It!
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Pretend you
are in this
picture.
Describe it
using
qualitative
observations.
3
You Try It!
Did you remember
to describe:
•What you would see?
•What you would hear?
•What it would feel like?
•How it would taste?
•How it would smell ?
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4
Quantitative Observations
 Describe
using a “Quantity”.
A
count, Number or Amount usually using a
Scientific Instrument.
 Scientists
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prefer quantitative observations.
5
6
Quantitative Observations
Uses Scientific Instruments
 1.
 2.
 3.
 4.
 5.
 6.
Ruler = LENGTH or WIDTH
Balance or Scale = MASS
Graduated Cylinder or Beaker = VOLUME
Thermometer = AMOUNT OF HEAT ENERGY
Stopwatch or Clock = TIME
Calculator = AMOUNT
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INACCURATE OBSERVATION
USING

YOUR OPINIONS
(UGLY, GROSS, DELICIOUS, NICE, PRETTY, YUMMY, )
USING RELATIVE TERMS
 (Big-Little, Short-Tall, Hot-Cold, Fat-Skinny)
Quantitative and Qualitative Observations
PRECISE and
ACCURATE OBSERVATION
 Precise
observations gives more information
than imprecise observations.
 Precise
observations gives more scientific
information
 Which
is most precise and accurate?
It looks real big
It is heavy as a rock
It is real heavy
It’s mass is 1000 grams
Inference
 “An
Explanation for an Observation”
 -conclusion drawn from an observation
that attempts to explain or make sense of
the observation.
1. Make two Qualitative Observation about the picture above.
2. Make two Quantitative Observation about the picture above.
3. Make two Inferences about the picture above.
Qualitative Observations
*red/green color, gold frame
*smells old and musty
*texture shows brush strokes of oil paint
*peaceful scene of the country
*masterful brush strokes
Inference
It was drawn by an 8th grader
It was clipart from google images
Quantitative Observations
*picture is 10" by 14”
•with frame 14" by 18”
* weighs 8.5 pounds
•surface area of painting is 140 sq.
in.
*cost $300
Qualitative Observation
*robust aroma
*frothy appearance
* chocolatey taste
*glass cup and saucer
Inference
It is going to be too hot to drink.
It is made at an expensive restaurant .
Quantitative Observation
*12 ounces of latte
*serving temperature 1500 F.
*serving cup 7 inches in height
*cost $4.95
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Make 4 OBSERVATIONS
MAKE 4 INFERENCES
 What
Happened Here?
 How many animals were here?
 What were they doing?
 What kind of animals were they?
 Were they all here at the same time?
 What
are the clues that can help you guess the
answers to these questions? Think about all of
the possibilities, and then write a report using
your best guess about the story behind these
Quantitative and Qualitative Observations
footprints
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The Metric System
 Scientists
use the metric system when measuring.
The metric system is based on the number 10,
so converting in the metric system is easy –
just move the decimal point!
Quantitative and Qualitative Observations
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Basic Units in the Metric System
 Meter
 Liter
–(m) – measure distance
– (l) – measures volume
 Gram
– (g) – measures mass (weight)
Quantitative and Qualitative Observations
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Prefixes
in
the
Metric
System
King
Kilo (k) - base times 1000
Henry
Hecto (h) – base times 100
Died
Deca (dk) – base times 10
By
BASE (meter, liter, or gram)
Drinking
Deci (d) – base divided by 10
Chocolate Centi (c) – base divided by 100
Milk
Milli (m) – base divided
by 1000
Quantitative and Qualitative Observations
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To Convert In the Metric System:
 Put
an “X” on the amount you know.
_____ ______ _____ ___X__ _____ ______
K
H
D
B
D
36.54 m = ______ cm
C
_____
M
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To Convert In the Metric System:
 Put
an “X” on the amount you know.
 Put a “?” on the amount you are trying to
find.
_____ ______ _____ ___X__ _____ __?___ _____
K
H
D
B
D
36.54 m = ______ cm
C
M
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To Convert In the Metric System:
 Put
an “X” on the amount you know.
 Put a “?” on the amount you are trying to
find.
 Count from the “X” to the “?”.
2
_____ ______ _____ ___X__ _____ __?___ _____
K
H
D
B
D
36.54 m = ______ cm
C
M
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To Convert In the Metric System:
 Put
an “X” on the amount you know.
 Put a “?” on the amount you are trying to
find.
 Count from the “X” to the “?”.
 Move the decimal point the same number of
places in the same direction.
2
_____ ______ _____ ___X__ _____ __?___ _____
K
H
D
B
D
36.54 m = _3654._ cm
C
M
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To Convert In the Metric System:
 Put
an “X” on the amount you know.
 Put a “?” on the amount you are trying to find.
 Count from the “X” to the “?”.
 Move the decimal point the same number of
places in the same direction.
 Add zeroes if necessary to be able to move the
decimal point.
Quantitative and Qualitative Observations
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MAP TAP 2002-2003
To Convert In the Metric System:
 Put
an “X” on the amount you know.
 Put a “?” on the amount you are trying to
find.
 Count from the “X” to the “?”.
 Move the decimal point the same
number of places in the same direction.
 Add zeroes if necessary to be able to
move the decimal point.
 If the number doesn’t have a decimal
point, put it at the end of the number.
Quantitative and Qualitative Observations