1.
4 - Booklet - Extraordinary Claims
Objective
● To extend the use of images as a way to find important clues to life in our universe
● To show that other information associated with images is as important as the image itself
1. Read the text Pseudoscience and Skeptical Thinking. Your teacher will give you this reading in
class. Complete the questions below.
What is Pseudoscience?
● The term "pseudo" means ___________.
● Pseudoscience refers to explanations or claims that __________________ be tested scientifically.
● Unlike real science, pseudoscience is not _______________, ______________, or _____________.
● Scientific findings can be verified by ___________________ and ___________________ , while
pseudoscience often ignores new _______________.
Characteristics of Pseudoscience
● Claims are not supported by ___________.
● Experiments are not ___________ or ___________ by other scientists.
● Theories do not change even when ___________ disproves them.
● Often uses scientific ___________ to sound credible but lacks actual ___________.
Examples of Pseudoscience
● _______________ (belief that celestial objects influence human behavior)
● _______________ (legendary large ape-like creature)
● _______________ (mythical creature in Scotland's Loch Ness)
● Claims about ___________________________ on Mars based on images like the "Face on Mars."
Why is Pseudoscience Popular?
● Sensational claims attract attention and ___________ tabloid newspapers or books.
● People believe in ____________________ ideas, even if they lack evidence.
● Misleading use of ________________ language can make pseudoscience seem more convincing.
The Importance of Skeptical Thinking
● Science relies on ___________ and ___________ before accepting claims.
● A skeptical thinker is one who recognizes, or at least ________________ , if a claim or theory is
supported by evidence.
Basic Guidelines for Recognizing Pseudoscience
1. Check the Sources:
a. Are experts cited? What are their ____________?
b. Do they have ____________ in the field?
c. Beware of ____________ experts or unnamed sources.
2. Compare Alternative Theories:
a. Start with the ____________ explanation first.
b. Theories that rely on ____________ or reject contrary evidence are suspicious.
3. Is It Open to Scientific Testing?
a. If a theory cannot be ____________, it is not scientific.
b. Science requires ____________ review and publication in ____________ journals.
c. Be cautious of claims in obscure or ____________ publications.
4. Can the Evidence Be Confirmed?
a. Speculation without ____________ is just opinion.
b. Scientific claims must be ____________ by other researchers.
c. Theories can be revised or even ____________ based on new data, which strengthens
science.
2.- 3. Read and analyze each article. Your teacher will give you them in class. Complete the
table.
Article Science Proves Face on Mars The Face on Mars is Produced by
Message! Shadows on a Hill
by The Astrobiology Tabloid by ABCNews.com
Summary of
Arguments
Evidence
Presented
Your Thoughts
on Evidence
4. On the back of this sheet, write a one page tabloid-like front-page story that includes a
drawing and description of what you think life on another world might really look and
be like. Use the Pseudoscience Tabloid Format (back) as a guideline for your article.
Summary 1.4
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List how you violated the guidelines for valid scientific reporting.
● _________________________________________________________________________________
● _________________________________________________________________________________
● _________________________________________________________________________________
