Science Denial
Channel Your Inner Cranky Uncle
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Overview
This lesson explores science denial, which is the refusal to accept well-established scientific conclusions. In this fun and engaging activity, students learn the techniques of science denial by channeling their inner Cranky Uncle.
Subjects: Science, Language Arts, Digital Media Literacy, Social Studies, Study Skills, Critical Thinking, Logic
Grade Levels: Middle school, High school, College
Lesson Length: 1-2 class periods
Learning Objectives
- Students will understand key differences between science and science denial.
- Students will recognize common techniques used to deny science.
Procedure
Click section headers to view full procedure.
Introduction (20 minutes)
What is science denial?
Video Worksheet: Give Science Denial the FLICC [Google Doc]
Have students watch the video and complete the worksheet.
Part 1: Play the Cranky Uncle game (20-30 minutes)
- The Cranky Uncle game uses cartoons and humor to familiarize players with common techniques of science denial, summarized by FLICC (Fake experts, Logical fallacies, Impossible expectations, Cherry picking, Conspiracy theories).
- The game features Cranky Uncle, a science denier, who uses denial techniques to spread misinformation. As players learn the techniques, they make Cranky Uncle crankier and unlock additional levels in the FLICC taxonomy.
- Put students into groups of two or three and instruct them to play Cranky Uncle until they reach at least 500 Cranky Points.
Part 2: It’s your turn to be Cranky Uncle! (20-30 minutes)
- Instructions:
- Divide students into small groups.
- Choose a topic to deny. The sillier or more outrageous the better!
- Using the FLICC techniques, create a compelling narrative to deny whatever topic you chose.
- Depending on the class, students can role play, create posters, write fake social media posts, record short videos, etc.
- Recommended: When students are ready, have them share their projects with the class and ask them to identify the techniques used by their fellow gravity deniers.
- Online Option: If you’re using a learning management system (LMS), have students post their arguments on a discussion board, along with a comment on their submission specifying which of the FLICC techniques they used and how.
Discussion and Debrief (10-20 minutes)
- Lead the class in a discussion about real-life examples of science denial. What do they think motivates the denial? What harm might come from the denial? Can they recognize the denial techniques (as summarized by FLICC)?
Assessment
- Teacher discretion can be used to assess student work.
Do you have any questions or did you notice any errors in the lesson plan? If so, please contact us.
This lesson was made by Melanie Trecek-King, our Education Director and the founder of ThinkingIsPower.com.
To view the rest of our lesson plans, visit our Lesson Plans page.
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