Tricky tracks: observation and inference in science | 11–14 years
By Dorothy Warren
Presentation, worksheet and lesson plan to help learners understand the difference between observation and inference as you build their understanding of the scientific process
Observation and inference are core concepts that help unlock the scientific process for learners. This resource helps learners aged 11-14 understand the scientific process. Specifically, it focuses on distinguishing between observations and inferences, and recognizing how scientific theories evolve over time with new evidence. The activity can be used before experiments that require careful observation and interpretation and takes around 50-60 minutes to complete. The resource includes a lesson plan, student worksheet, and teacher notes with suggested answers and discussion points.