Modern Myths and Mysteries

Claude Jones & Laura Rugel

 

Introduction

Task

Process

Resources

Evaluation

Conclusion

Introduction

Prior to the industrial revolution almost anything could pass as science. Science is simply a way of explaining the world. The world can be explained using myths, religion, or pseudoscience. Modern scientists operate under the assumption that all natural events have natural causes. This assumption eliminates mythological, religious, and pseudoscientific notions from the realm of science.

The basic assumptions of science control the types of conclusions scientists can draw from the evidence they collect. Beliefs in things like the Loch Ness Monster, Sasquatch, and Visitors From Other Worlds are scientifically unfounded, yet people still believe in them. In this WebQuest, locate and examine web sites that deal with these pervasive modern myths and mysteries. Explain why each is outside the purview of science.

1. For this WebQuest, you will work in groups of 3. Each group must have a captain, a computer operator, and a recorder.
2. Locate web sites on the Loch Ness Monster, Sasquatch, and UFOs. You may use the resources listed below to get you started.
3. Read a minimum of three sightings for each phenomena.
4. For each sighting explain what is wrong with the evidence that is presented as "proof." You should find at least three things wrong with each sighting.

 

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• Loch Ness Monster. Facts about the monster, a collection of sightings and research updates.
• Sea Serpents. Sea Serpents and Lake Monsters: Legends and Myths, or Reality ?
• Bigfoot. Our sighting occurred just outside of Covington, TN in the outer edges of Tipton County. The area that we were in is refereed to by locals as "Pilljerk", located on the Hatchie River.
• Bigfoot. I was on the way home from work about 9 p.m. one night. It was clear except for some ground fog.
• UFO: Eye witness. On May 7, 1998, Bob White prepared a statement that detailed the events he witnessed that night in Colorado, and how the Unknown Object came into his possession.
• UFO: Index. UFO Reporting Center.
• UFO: Congress.

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Evaluation

Your final project grade will be based on the following components:

1. Your constructive use of class time to accomplish the assigned tasks (individual grade).
2. Your evaluation of the sightings (group grade).
3. Your class presentation (individual and group grades).

While various methods can be used to explain the world, these methods can only be considered science if they meet some general guidelines. If a statement sounds scientific but does not meet these general guidelines, then it is to be considered a pseudoscientific statement. People believe in odd things because they want to or need to. You may not always be able to talk them out of their beliefs, but you should be able to explain to them why their beliefs and eyewitness account are scientifically unfounded.