Distinguish science from pseudoscience

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Science uses a logical approach to answer questions and solve problems. It uses systematic observations and experiments that can be reproduced, and develops laws and theories that can be tested and verified. In contrast, pseudoscience is not supported by scientific evidence. It's a system of assertions about the natural world that claim to be scientific but, in fact, are not.

In this assignment, you will examine examples of both science and pseudoscience. Please answer the following questions in your own words (Turnitin score less than 30%).

1. Preview the 4-minute EPA video on the carbon cycle https://archive.epa.gov/climatechange/kids/basics/today/carbon-dioxide.html (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.Watch the TED talk with Al Gore from 2:06-7:20. https://www.ted.com/talks/al_gore_the_case_for_optimism_on_climate_change?language=en (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.

  1. a) Very briefly explain the carbon cycle.
  2. b) Name 2 things contributing to increased carbon emissions.
  3. c) Name 3 consequences of increased carbon emissions. (6 pts)

2. Based on the graph below, a) what conclusion can you make about the effects of CO2 concentration on average global temperature? b) Explain why this is an example of science. (5 pts). CO2Temp.jpg

3. Watch the PBS video Climate of Doubt from 16:56 to 21:50 min. PBS Frontline 2017 Climate of Doubt (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.PBS Frontline 2017 Climate of Doubt 480p x264 AAC MVGroup Forum Think about how climate change skeptics “diminish the credibility of scientific consensus" and "spread the message of doubt."

a) Describe two arguments that Fred Singer, a climate change skeptic, makes about global warming in this segment. b) What evidence does he give to support his claims? c) Explain why these claims are examples of pseudoscience. (5 pts)

4. The Skeptoid website (https://skeptoid.com/episodes/4037 (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.) has a 15-point checklist called "How to Spot Pseudoscience." Choose 5 points from the list that best explain why Fred Singer's arguments are pseudoscience. (5 pts)

5. Name one thing you'll remember about how pseudoscience is used to distort the truth about climate change. What are two things you can do to address climate change? (4 pts)

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Running head: DISTINGUISHING SCIENCE FROM PSEUDOSCIENCE

Distinguishing Science from Pseudoscience
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DISTINGUISHING SCIENCE FROM PSEUDOSCIENCE
Science
The carbon cycle and things contributing to increased carbon emissions
The carbon cycle is the process by which carbon and its compounds move through the
elements of the environment; the atmosphere, the oceans, the earth and through living things.
Carbon mainly runs in the form of carbon dioxide, the major contributor to global warming ("All
About Carbon Dioxide | A Student's Guide to Global Climate Change | US EPA", 2018).
The main elements contributing to carbon emissions are human activities (mainly burning
of fossil fuels, which energy emissions amount to 400,000 Hiroshima-like explosions of energy
released to the global atmosphere every day) and the decomposition of living things in the
atmosphere. Combustion yields carbon dioxide as a primary product of the process while decay,
which necessarily involves bacterial deconstruction of dead plants and animals, also produces a
lot of carbon dioxide (Gore, 2016).

Consequences of increased ca...


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