Nature of Science and News Literacy

At one point in time, many people thought disease was caused by fate or by incorrect behavior. Following the invention of the microscope, bacteria were discovered. After this, a new theory of what causes disease arose that was known as the germ theory.  Why was the original theory modified? 

• It quickly became obvious that germs cause disease.
• The person who invented the microscope became ill.
• New evidence prompted revision to the original ideas.
• The proponents of the germ theory had political power.

Joe tells Mai his theory about why sea turtles nest on the beach instead of in the ocean. He says, “The turtle eggs would sink to the bottom of the ocean, and the baby turtles would drown.” Joe says his uncle is a fisherman, who told Joe this information. Mai tells Joe that his theory is not scientific. Which explanation supports Mai’s evaluation of Joe’s theory?

• Joe’s idea is already a scientific law. 
• Joe’s idea is not supported by scientific evidence. 
• Joe’s idea is a good guess that can be tested by experiments. 
• Joe’s idea accurately explains why sea turtles nest on the beach. 

Scientists discuss and debate experimental results and possible explanations in studying phenomena. Which best explains why scientists debate while searching for explanations?

• because debating helps scientists focus on empirical evidence, analyzing both the strengths and weaknesses of the evidence
• because debating helps the scientific community to present interesting and exciting science to the public
• because debating gives scientists an opportunity to express their feelings and opinions about the subject
• because every scientist wants to find an accurate explanation and disprove others’ explanations

Unprotected exposure to the sun’s rays is a factor in the development of skin cancer. Which   of the following is an example of empirical evidence that supports this hypothesis?

• a model of a skin cell showing where DNA is in the cell
• a skin cancer survivor’s recollection that he had a bad sunburn as a child
• data demonstrating a relationship between amount of sun exposure and incidences of skin cancer
• an advertisement for a sun block product that claims it protects skin for ultraviolet rays

Which explanation best describes why theories can change?

• Scientists like to make kids learn new things
• Textbooks need to be updated
• More money is needed for research
• Scientists are always learning new things.

When trying to get accurate information it is best to...

• Use multiple credible sources

• Use one single, credible source

• Use as many sources as possible, even if they are unreliable

• Not use any sources

Which of the following are good steps to take when you encounter something online that you’re unsure about:

• Do a quick web search to see if other credible sources of information are reporting the same thing

• Assume that if your info is posted online, it had to be well-checked so it's credible

• If there are photos, it's automatically more authentic news

• Post the story on social media and crowdsource an opinion

Where do most teens get their news from?

• Newspapers
• TV
• Parents or family
• Social Media

Why is fake news a problem?

• The public is getting misinformation
• Most people who see fake news believe it's actual news
• Fake news often looks like real news
• all of the above

Which of the following are ways to be sure that you should do to best choose your news?

• only trust .com URLs

• give it time- wait to see how a story develops

• only get news from sources where you know the media bias

• check other social media accounts