Science vs. Pseudoscience Debate:

Introduction
Phase one of this project provided my students with a wealth of information and insights into the unique perspectives of scientists. We compared the scientific information on which scientists based their opinions with the information on which students based their opinions. Students were able to identify the disparity between the influences of both groups and the experience reinforced basic scientific principles.

The majority of students understood that we lacked the scientific evidence to support the UFO claims made in tabloids, television programs and other media forms. Letting go of the notion of little green men monitoring Earth was too much for some of my seventh grade students though. A fun way to continue this topic was to have students research related topics and debate each other in a structured forum.

I used the rationale of our participating scientists to reinforce the nature of science. I also introduced pseudoscience and we discussed the differences between the two. Students were then selected to serve as scientists and pseudoscientists on our debate panel. Students chose one of five topics and used their laptops and the Internet to research their topic.

In front of the seventh grade teachers and student body the panels of scientists and pseudoscientists went head-to-head on the topics of UFO Sightings, Alien Abductions, UFO Government Conspiracies, Ancient Alien Civilizations, and Crop Circles. The pseudoscientists tried to create a case for the validity of their topics and the scientists tried to identify fallacies in the arguments of pseudoscientists and use the scientific process to negate their claims.

The experience was fun and the students did a nice job trying to support their claims with proof. The assessment for the debate was based on participants' were research notes and how well they supported their argument with proof.

I have included debate photos if you wish to view the kids in action.