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ACTIVITY: Benchark #3: Myth Development, Predictions, and Teacher Approval

Project: Mythbusters: A Scientific Inquiry Project

SUMMARY

Goals

The goal of this benchmark is for students to come up with a great myth to test.

 

Details

Duration: N/A

Assessments: Group work

Materials: Mythbusters DVDs

 

Description

We showed students several episodes of Mythbusters to help them understand the concept of a "plausible" myth. We also directed students to several different websites that listed myths, as well as the Wikipedia listing for Mythbusters which lists all of the Mythbusters episodes that could not be used.

We provided a worksheet for students to identify and describe their myth. Each person in the group was responsible for coming up with at least one myth idea and then turn them all in together in as a group.

The teachers then reviewed the myths and then approved plausible myths for completion in the project.

ACTIVITY RESOURCES

(e.g. rubrics, examplars, websites, etc.)


Intro Montage and Myth Setup - Frozen Batteries
The myth this group set out to test was whether batteries last longer when placed in the refrigerator or freezer. This ...
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Myth Development Worksheet
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REFLECTIONS & COMMENTS

Author Reflections

Identifying a myth an extremely difficult task for some groups. Some groups take several weeks to come up with a myth, while other groups come up with one right away. Be prepared to reject a lot of bad myths and also keep the standards up - because a good exhibition hinges on a good myth to test.