Tree Octopus/Scientific Method

Based on the evidence you collected, is the Pacific Northwest Tree Octopus a real animal?

1. Yes
2. No

Tree Octopus

• Temperate rainforests are real
• Octopuses can exist outside of water for around 30 minutes at a time
• But unfortunately, tree octopuses are not real.

What was the point?

- "Clickbait" and false information are everywhere!

- In science, it is important to take the time to evaluate your sources & investigate claims.

Science...

- Is testable

- Can be verified

- Derived from experimentation or observations

- Systematic

- Seeks to falsify claims

- Relies on evidence

Pseudoscience

- Is untestable

- Seeks to confirm a claim 

- Relies on anecdotal evidence

What does it mean to be systematic?

Follows a standard procedure that is repeatable by others

You did this without even realizing it & we are going to make a foldable about it today!

Make an observation

You observed the website, taking in how professional it looked, what the pictures looked like, and gathering information.

Ask a Question

"Is the tree octopus real or fake?"

Do Some Research

You answered questions 1-19, may have even asked Ms. Drizd or your fellow students about some questionable items

Form a Hypothesis

Based on your research, you formed a prediction:

The tree octopus is real OR The tree octopus is fake

Do an Experiment

You gathered evidence of what sounded real and what sounded fake, comparing the information.

Analyze Your Data

You weighed out the evidence and based your decision on the evidence you saw.

Shared and Discussed Your Conclusion

You answered the poll & discussed your thoughts with colleagues.

You, my friends, have done science!

You only click on stories, articles, or links that match up with your current personal thoughts, opinions, or beliefs. Others are obviously wrong.

1. Thinking like a scientist
2. Falling for pseudoscience

You look up something you have heard using multiple different sites and sources to see if its true.

1. Thinking like a scientist
2. Falling for pseudoscience

You read a scientific article or hear a story on the news, but they aren't able to explain their methods or test them.

1. Thinking like a scientist
2. Falling for pseudoscience

You once thought one thing, but now that you have new evidence you are able to change your mind or think differently than before.

1. Thinking like a scientist
2. Falling for pseudoscience

A hypothesis isn't what you expected, even after multiple tests by yourself & others, but you accept that predictions can be wrong.

1. Thinking like a scientist
2. Falling for pseudoscience