Observation vs. inference worksheets for 7th grade with answer key

Question

Hey there! 👋 Ever get confused between what you *see* and what you *think* is happening? 🤔 Observations are like looking at the world through your eyes, while inferences are like being a detective and figuring things out based on clues! This worksheet will help you nail the difference. Good luck!

jon534 · Accepted Answer

📚 Topic Summary
In science, it's super important to know the difference between observing and inferring. An observation is something you directly experience through your senses—sight, smell, touch, taste, or hearing. For example, "The sky is cloudy." An inference is a conclusion you reach based on your observations and prior knowledge. For example, "It might rain soon" is an inference based on the observation of a cloudy sky. Distinguishing between the two helps in making accurate scientific interpretations and avoiding assumptions.

🧪 Part A: Vocabulary
Match the terms with their definitions:

Term
    Definition

1. Observation
    A. A conclusion based on evidence and reasoning.

2. Inference
    B. The act of noticing or perceiving something using your senses.

3. Qualitative
    C. Describing the qualities of something (e.g., color, texture).

4. Quantitative
    D. Describing the quantity of something using numbers (e.g., 3 meters, 50 kg).

5. Evidence
    E. Facts, observations, or data supporting a statement or hypothesis.

Answer Key:

🔍 1 - B
    🔬 2 - A
    📊 3 - C
    📈 4 - D
     📝 5 - E

✍️ Part B: Fill in the Blanks
Read the paragraph and fill in the missing words.
When we make an __________, we are using our senses to gather information. If we then use that information, along with what we already know, to form an idea, we are making an __________. For example, if I __________ a wet sidewalk, I might __________ that it rained.
Answer Key:

👁️ Observation
     🧠 Inference
     🌧️ Observe
     💡 Infer

🤔 Part C: Critical Thinking
Give an example of an observation and an inference you can make from that observation.
Example Answer:

🌍 Observation: The grass is wet.
    🌱 Inference: The sprinkler was on, or it rained.

Observation vs. inference worksheets for 7th grade with answer key

1 Answers

📚 Topic Summary

🧪 Part A: Vocabulary

✍️ Part B: Fill in the Blanks

🤔 Part C: Critical Thinking

Join the discussion

Term	Definition
1. Observation	A. A conclusion based on evidence and reasoning.
2. Inference	B. The act of noticing or perceiving something using your senses.
3. Qualitative	C. Describing the qualities of something (e.g., color, texture).
4. Quantitative	D. Describing the quantity of something using numbers (e.g., 3 meters, 50 kg).
5. Evidence	E. Facts, observations, or data supporting a statement or hypothesis.