Name: ___________________________
Experiment - Making Observations,
Inferences and Predictions
Definitions:
Prediction: what someone thinks will happen
Observation: what someone sees, hears, feels, smells and tastes
(although taste is not something that is often used in Science);
observations are made by your senses.
Inference: a likely reason of an observation – trying to have a reason
for what you are observing
Part A: Questions
1. List the 5 senses used to make observations.
2. Which sense would not be good to use in a Science Laboratory?
Part B: Making predictions, observations and inferences
Question: What happens when you light a match or a sparkler?
SAFETY:
● Put safety glasses on.
● Your teacher will demonstrate the safest way to light a match and a sparkler and how to
dispose of your waste safely.
Instructions:
1. Make a prediction.
2. Watch demonstration.
3. Write one observation and an inference for your observation.
Make two predictions
Sparkler:
Make four observations
Make an inference for each of
your observations
Match:
Question: What happens when you place magnesium in a test tube and add
hydrochloric acid?
SAFETY:
Put safety glasses on.
Avoid contact with hydrochloric acid
Instructions:
Collect one test tube. Add a small piece of magnesium ribbon to the bottom of the test tube.
Add one centimetre of hydrochloric acid to the test tube. Observe what happens in the test tube.
Make two predictions
Make four observations
Make an inference for each of
your observations
Question: What happens when you mix bicarb with vinegar?
SAFETY:
safety glasses on.
Instructions: Put half spoon of bicarbonate of soda in a small beaker and add about 5 ml of vinegar
(remember to make your prediction first!)
Make two predictions
Make four observations
Make an inference for each of
your observations
Part C: What have I learnt today?
Identify which of the following are predictions, observations and which ones are inferences.
Statement
You smell a strong odour from the garbage bin.
The flame will change colour.
There is a person in a santa suit. It must be Christmas.
Shh! I can hear an animal in the roof. It must be a possum.
I can see clouds so it must be about to storm
It’s really hot outside!
I think the temperature will reach 37 °C today.
Observation, prediction or
inference?