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Skeptics Guide to the Universe 3/5/2021

Last updated over 3 years ago
6 questions
  • Item #1 A new study finds that some Coronaviruses can steal genes from an organism they infect in order to learn how to evade their immune system.

  • Item #2 Scientists calculate that a tiny crustacean, the amphipod Dulichiella cf. appendiculata, has the fastest moving body part of any animal, a claw that can close 10,000 times faster than the blink of an eye – averaging 93 μs.

  • Item #3 A new analysis of the star Betelgeuse finds that it is about 25% closer to Earth than previously thought, 530 light years instead of the previous estimate of 724.
2

Skeptical Quote of the Week

‘We have to be prepared, always, for the possibility that each new discovery, no matter what science furnishes it, may modify the conclusions we draw.” ― Alfred Wegener, The Origin of Continents and Oceans

Any terms you do not understand from the 3 stories.

2

Using your prior knowledge, which story do you think is fiction?

2

What evidence or prior knowledge do you have which lead you to choosing this one as fiction?

10

After listening to your classmates and scientific experts which story do you think is fiction?

2

Explain one of two situations: if you changed your answer what influenced you to change it or if you kept your original answer why did you not change your answer.

2

How do you think these stories could impact your everyday life?