HS Newspaper Article on TAM4

[phyz]

I guess I've been vocal enough and geeked enough about TAM that my students who are also in Newspaper want to do an article. They've interviewed me about TAM, and are now hoping to do a Mythbusting sidebar. Here's the note they sent me. I'm looing forward to addressing these as best I can, but I thought I'd throw it out to the Forum Experts to kick around, too.

(I'll probably ask them to change the firewalking prompt to omit Jesus; I'm also going to have them move Elvis to the end and respond that yes, Elvis is indeed still alive--no myth there! Badoomboom!)

Sidebar: Popular Myths: Debunked!
Hey Mr B, we’re doing a sidebar column next to the TAM story about popular myths. Here are some ideas we have, any that you would like to include would be welcome. I’ve included space for you to write your own “debunking” of the myths, or to redirect us to a source that would most likely have information on the subject. Here’s your chance to show your students that what they see is not what they should believe!
When you are done, please return form to room A3, or e-mail it back to me ( ive sent an e-mail version as well for your convenience.) If you choose not to participate, that’s OK too, but please let me know somehow. Thanks so much!

Myth #1 Psychics can predict the future.
Truth

Myth #2 UFO’s have landed on earth.
Truth

Myth #3 Walking over coals made possible by Jesus.
Truth

Myth #4 Forget Psychics, Astrologers know the real truth.
Truth

Myth #5 Elvis is still alive and thrusting!
Truth:

Myth #6 Dead people are talking to you through your TV!
Truth

Myth #7 Songs often contain hidden messages when played backwards
Truth

Myth # 8 ________________?
Truth

 

[kittynh]

wow! JREF in action!

Mr.Randi would be thrilled to get a copy of this article.

 

[Hamradioguy]

More wow. This is good. Maybe you could factor in one of my favorite quotes from Carl Sagan: "Extraordinary claims require extraordinary proof." (Although I'd say walking over hot coals isn't quite so extraordinary. Less a matter of faith as an understanding of science.). And as Claus so often says, "Evidence please."
Understand that and you're well on the way to understanding what science is all about. Hope you'll share your own inputs with the rest of us.

 

[exarch]

Perhaps an idea, but maybe close the article by stating that any students who are still skeptical about your explanations of urban legends / supposed supernatural phenomena come to see you and you will show them the evidence (like the Richard Wiseman video on firewalking, etc...)

Nothing better to create skeptics than urging people not to take your word for it but to find out for themselves.
And with some luck, you'll even be able to get to a future Deepak Chopra follower before s/he becomes one ...