Practice deciding whether a statement is an observation or an inference using simple science examples.
Read each problem carefully. Decide if the statement is an observation or an inference. Explain your thinking when asked.
Telling facts from ideas based on clues
Science - Grade 2-3
- 1
A student says, "The leaf is green." Is this an observation or an inference? Explain your answer.
- 2
A student sees puddles on the sidewalk and says, "It rained last night." Is this an observation or an inference? Explain your answer.
- 3
Write one observation you could make about an apple using your eyes.
- 4
Write one observation you could make about an apple using your sense of touch.
- 5
A dog is barking at the door. A student says, "The dog wants to go outside." Is this an observation or an inference? Explain your answer.
- 6
A cup of cocoa has steam rising from it. Which statement is an observation: "The cocoa is hot" or "Steam is rising from the cup"?
- 7
A student hears thunder and says, "A storm is nearby." Is this an observation or an inference? Explain your answer.
- 8
Circle the observation: A. The rock is heavy. B. The rock came from a volcano. Explain your choice.
- 9
A student says, "The classroom lights are off." Is this an observation or an inference? Explain your answer.
- 10
A plant has droopy leaves and dry soil. A student says, "The plant needs water." Is this an observation or an inference? Explain your answer.
- 11
List two observations about a pencil.
- 12
A student sees cookie crumbs on the table and says, "Someone ate a cookie here." Is this an observation or an inference? Explain your answer.
- 13
Read the sentence: "The flower smells sweet." Is this an observation or an inference? Explain your answer.