Title:

Introduction: This should be a brief explanation which describes the pseudoscience that you picked. You should include here the areas of investigation and the major conclusions that you reached.

Purpose: To explore the following aspects: 1) Determine the extent that the adherents of the pseudoscience claim to be acting scientifically. 2) Determine which aspects of the scientific method that the pseudoscience violates. 3) Explore how the adherents of the pseudoscience try to convince others to believe in what they do.

Procedure:
1)Fill out a task sheet and give it to your teacher.
2) For each of the aspects above, submit at least one page of single spaced paper using the method described below.
3) Document your sources.
4) Present your information to the class.

Data:
Make a list for each of the 3 aspects: i.e.
1) A list of quotes or actions which support the idea that the pseudoscience does or does not claim to be a science.
2) A list of those areas that the pseudoscience violates the scientific method.Include in here a list of any experiments done by scientists to examine its claims.
3) A list of those propaganda methods and logical inconsistencies inherent in the pseudoscience. Use Carl Sagan's Baloney Detection Kit as a guide.

Analysis: Discuss each of the 3 aspects.

Conclusions: Present your conclusion in the final paragraph.

Integration: Present this to the class as a poster presentation, a video presentation or as a computer-assisted presentation (i.e. web site or Power-Point).

For extra-credit, pick a field of science and explain the methods it uses to follow the scientific method.

Reflections: For extra-credit, write an essay which explores your feelings about this and perhaps another pseudoscience before this project and after.

Extensions: For extra-credit, take a poll of students and others to test their opinions on the subject. Use email if possible.

References/Resources: Submit a bibliography citing where you got your information. Include the following information.
BOOKS: Author, Title, Publisher, Date of Publication
MAGAZINE ARTICLES: Author and Title of article, Name of Magazine, Date of Magazine, Page numbers
WEB RESOURCES: Include complete URL

Web Site Evaluation: Make a copy of the Web Page Evaluation Form. Submit an evaluation form for two websites with your project. For information on evaluating web sites, see web evaluation criteria.

Assessments: Explain briefly how this affected your knowledge of what science is - and isn't. Also describe any computer skills that you have learned.