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Observing Like a Scientist

Science observations and inferences for a Grade/Year 7 or 8 classroom, with reading, subject language, speaking and writing.

Grade/Year 7 & 845–60 minutesPrintable

Teacher lesson: Read the short text aloud and model the first task. Students can plan in a language they know well before speaking or writing in English. Use all twelve panels or adjust the pace for your learners.

Teacher Answers Back to Teacher Lessons

1Reading

Two students observe ice cubes on plates in sunlight and shade — Illustration: Comparing two ice cubes.

Before you read:

Look at the title. What do you know about science observations and inferences? Tell a partner one idea.

Two students place a small ice cube on each of two plates. One plate sits in sunlight and the other in shade. After five minutes, the students observe that the ice cube in sunlight is smaller. They record what they can see rather than guessing why it happened. Next, they suggest an explanation: the sunlight may have warmed that ice cube more quickly. Their observation is evidence; their explanation is an inference. To make a fair comparison, they used ice cubes of similar size and started at the same time.

2Vocabulary

Words: observation · inference · fair comparison

Write a short meaning or example. You may use a language you know well first.

observation –

inference –

fair comparison –

3Comprehension

4Language Focus

Use these sentence starters. Change the words to fit your idea.

I observed that .

This may have happened because .

Write one sentence of your own.

5Listen and Note

Listen as your teacher reads the text again. Note two key ideas or facts.

First idea:

Second idea:

Compare your notes with a partner.

6Speaking

Describe an observation and an inference about something in your classroom.

Use a sentence starter from panel 4. Ask your partner one follow-up question.

Useful questions: “Could you explain that?” “Why do you think so?”

7Try It

Use this skill: How might you use science observations and inferences in another lesson or everyday situation? Give one example and explain it to a partner.

Draw a quick plan or write three key words before you speak.

8Writing

Write two observations and one possible inference for the ice-cube investigation.

Plan in a language you know well if it helps. Then write your answer in English.

9Word Study

Choose the correct words from this lesson’s reading.

Word bank: observation · inference

An is what you notice. An explains what the evidence may mean.

10Sentence Builder

Put these words in the right order. Check the capital letter and punctuation.

the ice cube / smaller / in sunlight / is / .

11School English

You think the ice melted faster in sunlight. Ask for your partner’s observation.

Write a polite question or response you could use at school. Then say it to a partner.

12Exit Reflection ✓

Take a few minutes to reflect.

1. One useful word I learnt in this lesson:

2. One thing I can do in class:

3. One question I still have: