Climate Change / Global Warming Science Demonstrations, Activities and Labs Avoiding Flawed, Problem Science Demonstrations -- Greenhouse Effect in a Bottle; Heating Carbon Dioxide vs. Air; Example of Faulty Demos: Spin on That
Hands-on Science		Avoiding Flawed Demos > Greenhouse Effect > Problem Examples > Spin on That

Avoiding Flawed Demonstrations: Greenhouse Effect Intro/Index Faulty Demos Errors, Misconceptions Testing, Lab Results Scientifically Strong Resources Rebuttals Acknowledgements Contact This web portal is a resource within America's online library for Education & Research in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics:

Index and Introduction (Special section's home page) Overview of Flawed Demo Examples Menu of the individual examples: Analysis and testing of flawed demo designs Being most heavily promoted: Need -- National Energy Education Development     Keystone Center Prominent demos:     CLEAN     Bill Nye & Al Gore    On BBC TV    AMNH -- American Museum of Natural History Many examples currently on-line:    Spin on That   PBS's Nova Capturing Carbon    Pico Tech     CIRES         Flawed demos of this variety have been carefully reviewed, tested and analyzed by other reputable scientists: Lueddecke et.al. Common errors with these relatively rare variations: Using other heat trapping (greenhouse) gases    Sunlight as the energy source variations "CO2 The Debate Is Not Over." "The 'Greenhouse Effect' Hypothesis"   "AGW Debunked for £5.00" http://www.spinonthat.com/CO2.html On Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qTrreN4aGF8&feature=related pdf download [9MB, 46 pages of text, not so much on demo]:    http://www.spinonthat.com/CO2_files/CO2tdino.pdf Video of demonstration in three parts; second version with video in two parts. Noted in comments at:     http://www.skepticalscience.com/The-main-culprit-in-mid-century-cooling.html Developer, creator of on-line video: Spin on That  (website) http://www.spinonthat.com/ William R. Pratt, an individual doing citizen science** Sandhurst, Berkshire, Great Britain ** We welcome Mr.William Pratt's verification or correction of this description. We do not wish to mis-represent who created these videos. The Spin on That videos are being included in this section as they are representative of what is springing up all over the UK and the US: The demonstrations being promoted by major sources [ 1, 2, 3, 4] are so flawed that they are easily modified and presented in a manner as to overtly challenge the fundamentals of climate change and global warming scientific understanding. Working with fake science, it is possible for someone to claim just about anything they want. It is so important for teachers, and the public, to have the ability to sort out faked claims from real ones. What is science, what is snake oil. To the extent it is possible, people should have the opportunity to examine and test at least the basic evidence themselves. Scientists need to be available to help in this process. The public should have the opportunity to ask them questions. Scientists should not be punished for being available to education programs and the public. Why are scientists not encouraged and supported in going out among the public, doing basic science experiments with them? For instance: When proposals have been made to science museum or aquariums that there be such a program inside their facilities, with scientists and educators providing their time at no cost, it has been the major sponsors who have shot the idea down. Scientists are threatened with termination and de-funding for being available to kids and teachers to answer questions. Why does this happen? Currently, the American people are being flooded with deeply flawed demos, which serve to confuse and mislead. Is it a surprise that video presentations, such as those by Spin on That, have emerged? Making many of the very same errors as 1, 2, 3, 4. Without careful attention in making available to the public accurate and accessible scientific information -- verifiable and tangible evidence -- drawing both from theory and practical experimental experience (working with actual demos); confusion and misconceptions will only spread. This is even more the case as there are, sadly, not only people making honest mistakes; but others deliberately and cleverly spreading mis-information. We believe Mr. Pratt to be honest and doing his best. He has, though, made many mistaken assumptions. Mr. Pratt certainly is in good company. Introduction and Index >>  Faulty demonstrations being heavily promoted -- over a dozen examples << Errors and misconceptions commonly found in flawed demonstrations Testing the demos, mistakes revealed -- lab & field results from scientists and hundreds of students & teachers Scientifically strong demonstrations engaging millions. Powerful, fun, dramatic, unforgettable. Resources & Further Background Encouraging rebuttal: welcoming sponsor-promoters to defend if demos are scientifically valid. Testing the evidence for everyone to see, experience for themselves -- that's what has made science demonstrations so very powerful in history Acknowledgements, Thank You's            Contact

©2011 ClimateChangeEducation.org: Climate Education Specialists, since 1999 We are a team of teachers, docents, scientists, engineers, techs, artists, students and parents providing pro bono services for thousands of climate education programs worldwide. While primarily based at science museums and the University of California, we work with hundreds of schools, programs and science institutions around the world to strengthen the climate education community.  If we should be working with you too, let us know. For over ten years: we have been designing, developing and presenting hands-on science demonstrations for 100,000's of participants. Sharing experiences, mutual learning with science education programs worldwide.. If you are part of designing, teaching, presenting and/or supporting sound science hands-on demonstrations on climate change, perhaps we should be working together.