Science vs.

Pseudoscience
Unit 1: Nature of Science
Pseudoscience
Benchmarks:
•Use multiple sources of information to evaluate
strengths and weaknesses of claims arguments,
or data.
•Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of
claims, arguments, and data.
•Identify the need for evidence in making
scientific decisions.
•Evaluate scientific concepts through various
illustrations performances, models, and
activities.
What is Pseudoscience?
The word “pseudo” means false. Pseudoscience
directly translated means “false science”

Basically it is a study or claim

that is not backed with any hard
data or facts.

 Fringe Science
Other names for pseudoscience
 Junk Science
include:
 Hoax Science
 Bad Science
Examples of Pseudoscience
• Astrology
• Crop circles
• 2012 Apocalypse
• Phrenology
• ESP
• Alien encounters
• Hypnosis

And many, many more!

 Science vs. Pseudoscience
Science Pseudoscience

Its goal is to achieve a more Its goal is more likely to be driven by

complete understanding of the personal or private gains (profit or
physical world. fame).

There is research to back up their Little evidence to support their ideas

claims. Constantly looking to and the research that is carried out
expand knowledge of the subject. tries only to prove they are right.

Explanations must be stated in clear, Pseudoscientific explanations tend to

unambiguous terms. be vague and ambiguous.
Science or Pseudoscience?
Ivory soap floats because of
The Ivory
trapped soap inadthe
air bubbles
states . . .because it is
soap, NOT
99.4% pure soap.

“The soap so pure

However, the idea of soap
it floats!”
floating because it is
“pure” made people buy
more Ivory soap.