This activity let’s students to pick a pseudoscientific or “junk” science topic, present to the class what it is and why it is junk science.
Distinguish between real sciences and pseudo sciences. Be clear that “unreal” things are not necessarily not scientific - what makes atoms more believable than ghosts to a general public without an electron microscope? Neither can be touched, neither can be seen.
What makes a good science? How do you decide if a topic is worth investigating or not? Where does good and bad science differ?
1) Science follows rules and guidelines - appropriate at a certain point in scientific knowledge. When we know certain method is invalid, science stops using it. (Scientology )
2) Science values facts vs opinions - fact is a piece of information that multiple people agree on? Science is built on peer review and general rigorous falsification. You don’t believe this? - Disprove it!
3) Science follows the principle of falsifiable hypotheses - hypotheses
4) Science can be replicated
5) Science is build on proper theories - theories
comments powered by Disqus