Horoscope activity

Science is . . .

Limited to the natural world Observable Testable/disprovable Measurable Repeatable Modifiable Verifiable Built upon testable predictions Based on experimentation

Science is (continued) . . .

• • • • • Open to change Biased (in spite of trying not to be) Objective Made stronger when different lines of evidence support the same theory A search for understanding

Science is NOT . . .

• • • • • • • Based on proof (It is never a closed case.) Based on belief or faith Based on authority Decided by law or compelling speeches A search for “truth,” which means different things to different people Certain or absolute Fair

Science is NOT . . .

• • • Able to solve all problems Just a collection of facts Democratic

Non-science & Pseudo-science

• • Non-science includes mysterious or supernatural forces, which cannot be disproven.

Pseudo-science is when a concept is claimed to have scientific support, yet does not survive scientific testing.

Horoscope experiment

• • Question: Are the Sun-Sign traits accurately associated with their respective birth dates?

Hypothesis: The proportion of students whose personality traits match their birth sign will be significantly greater than that due to chance.

Procedures:

• • • Read the handout and decide which set of traits you identify with the most.

On the small piece of paper, write 3 things: – Your birthday – ONE code number for the traits that BEST describe you – Whether you think astrology can give accurate information about personalities (YES or NO) Fold the paper ONCE and turn it in.

#

1 2 7 8 9 3 4 5 6 10 11 12

Key to sun-sign dates

Dates

March 21 – April 19 April 20 – May 20

Sun sign

Aries Taurus May 21 – June 21 June 22 – July 22 July 23 – August 22 August 23 – September 22 September 23 – October 22 October 23 – November 21 November 22 – December 21 December 22 – January 19 January 19 – February 18 February 19 – March 20 Gemini Cancer Leo Virgo Libra Scorpio Sagittarius Capricorn Aquarius Pisces

Procedures (continued)

• • • • Write “hit” or “miss” on the paper you received. (“Hit” if the birthday matched the code #, “Miss” if it did not) Teacher takes tally by students raising hands.

Do similar tally of “yes” and “no.” Fill out worksheet with your seat partner, to be turned in with pink sheet by end of class. If time allows, discuss your answers with another pair of students.

Block

Hits Misses

1

1 17

2

0 17

3

2 15

4

1 18

6

2 17

Block

Yes No

1

6 12

2 3 4

10 9

5

6 12

• • Is astrology science, non-science or pseudo science?

Do Sunsets, Souls & Senses worksheet if time allows.