Procedure for: Of Sunsets, Souls, and Senses

Directions: Answer these questions with your group on your own sheet of paper.

1. View the Willy 'n Ethel cartoon. Take your time to read and think about the cartoon.

2. What do you think the cartoonist was trying to communicate?

3. What do you personally think is the cause of the car's problem (can be different then what is stated in cartoon)?

4. Why did you choose your answer?

5. Within the group discuss each members answer to 3 and 4. Make a list of the groups causes. With this information take a vote as to what is causing the problem and make a tally for each of the causes.

6. Why wouldn't a mechanic think it is a demon? Be sure to explain your reasoning.

7. Explain how question number 6 relates to Science (does science have limits?).

**After completing 6 and 7 above open your folded sheet of paper and read it. Discuss the reading and if necessary make changes to your answers for 6 and 7.

8. Summarize your thoughts on the meaning of the following passage.

"The history of science has been concerned with pushing back the boundaries of the imperceptible, INVENTING NEW INSTRUMENTS allowing the scientist's brains to be able to perceive something that was here-to-fore not measurable. Viruses, onetime thought to be evil spirits now are thought to be protein-wrapped genetic material."

9. Complete group A only on the Check Lists sheet, "Topics Science Can/Cannot Study"

10. Discuss and share what items were checked in the “Can column” and what were checked in the “Cannot column”. Which in any did the group seem to debate over the most?

11. View "Human Soul Weighs..."Is this real science?" Discuss in your group.

12. Complete Group B on the check list sheet: "Senses Which Can be Used... “for each item. Discuss in your group.

13. Explain why some of the items (at least two) in group B currently cannot be dealt with by science and why others would be within the limits of science (give example if needed).

14. Now get a “science is…… science is not….. envelope and begin organizing the statements and words under the correct headings “science is” and “science is not”. Discuss your list among your group and when you all agree on the two lists obtain a “science is/science is not” handout from your teacher and use it to check your list and read and discuss. Make changes if necessary. Write this list on your assignment and also find a place in your science notes to recopy the list. This is a central part of this lessons so study it well.

15. Double check all your answer and make sure they are all complete and concise. Staple all of your groups answer sheets together attach one data sheet with table A & B to the front will all full names, class period and date. Now you have a better understanding of the nature of science so don’t be fooled by any superstitious claims just use your senses.