<p> Observation/Inference Name: ______WS# Date: ______Color: ______Problem: How do people really know that atoms exist even though they can’t see them? 1. What is an observation? ______</p><p>2. Why do scientists make observations? ______</p><p>3. What is an inference? ______</p><p>4. What value do inferences have? ______Observation/Inference Practice: Part 1: Read the following paragraph from a memoir and then answer the questions that follow. I quickly packed my suitcase. I tossed in a change of clothes, a toothbrush, and a hairbrush. Glancing at my watch, I zipped the suitcase and walked to the front door. After I shut the window blinds, I pulled a heavy coat from the closet. 1. Based on information in the passage, what is a reasonable inference to make about the narrator’s plans?</p><p>2. Underline any words in the passage that helped you make this inference. 3. Which inference below is supported by specific information in the passage? a. The narrator has new luggage. b. The narrator is going to take a short trip. c. The narrator likes being outdoors in winter. d. The narrator is going to the airport. Part 2: Look at the picture on the whiteboard for 30 seconds. Then answer the questions that follow. 1. Give three observations for the photo you saw. </p><p>2. Give two inferences for the photo you saw. It is much easier to make inferences about things when you are able to read about them or see them. What about things you cannot see or things that have not had much information written about them? As early as 400 B.C.E., scientists theorized about the existence of atoms. What made these theories even more incredible is that even today, we cannot see atoms. So, if we cannot see atoms, then how do we know what they look like? Scientist Simulation: You and your partner will be given a box that contains nine mystery items. These items are common and should be familiar to you. Do NOT open the box. You have five minutes to figure out what is in the box and write the name of the item and one observation that led you to that inference. Try to be very specific. Item Name Observation Item Name Observations 1. 6.</p><p>2. 7.</p><p>3. 8.</p><p>4. 9.</p><p>5.</p><p>Take a few minutes and answer the following questions and we will discuss them. 1. Could you see what was in the box? ______2. How did you figure out what was in the box?</p><p>3. How accurate were you?</p><p>4. What clues helped you to decide what items were in the box?</p><p>5. What would it take for you to figure out all the items (besides opening the box)?</p><p>6. How is this like what scientist do to figure out what an atom looked like? Watch the video to see a little more about how the idea of an atom developed and progressed.</p>