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Read the CNN article about scientific discoveries.

Add any ideas suggested by the scientists that indicate that processes other than the scientific method are involved in the creation of scientific knowledge. See the example created by me as follows:

Sara Seager’s point that science is not a “linear” process, and “False starts and wrong turns” are common.

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The secret to making a scientific discovery _ CNN Business

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Explain how the following discovery was made. Make sure you include the word ‘serendipity’ in your explanation.

1. Penicillin

2. The pacemaker

3. Radiation

4. Teflon

5. LSD

6. Viagra

7. X-Rays

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“what we call the “scientific method” really only refers the second half of any scientific story.” (Tom McLeish). Read the article.

What does McLeish mean?

What happens in the first half of the story?

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We talk about artistic inspiration all the time – but scientific inspiration is a thing too

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Penicillin was discovered by serendipity in 1928 when Alexander Fleming left petri dishes with bacteria unattended. A mold called Penicillium notatum grew and killed the bacteria around it. Fleming realized this mold produced a substance that could fight infections. Though he struggled to mass-produce it, scientists later perfected the process, making penicillin the first antibiotic

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Explore one example of a common pseudoscience. Include information about -

1. Its name + a brief description

2. How it seems to be scientific

3. Why it isn’t scientific

4. The reasons why you think it is popular

...OVERALL Why do you think so many people around the world believe in pseudosciences? Is this a problem, and if so, how could/should we try to solve it?

Examples include: acupuncture, Creation science, Crystal healing, Conversion therapy, Ghost-hunting, Homeopathy, Phrenology, Ufology, ETC.

Note that this is not a test of whether knowledge dealt with in these fields is ‘true’ or not, only whether it can be termed ‘scientific’. Whether scientifically-verified knowledge is the only valid knowledge would be a different question…

Here’s a link to a recent story about a pseudoscience craze, which could be shown before the OVERALL question is displayed.

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Albert Hofmann, Who was researching on ergot alkaloids from fungus, with the aim of developing a drug to stimulate breathing and blood circulation, but then he gets exposed to LSD which, turned out to have powerful psychoactive properties, revolutionizing neuroscience, psychiatry and countercultural movements.

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This is a pseudoscientific system of alternative medicine, that is based on the idea that highly diluted substances can cure illnesses. Developed in the late 18th century by Samuel Hahnemann,

its got two principles;

1. Like cures like

2.Extreme Dilution Increases Potency

Why it is not scientific;

1.Contradicts Chemistry & Physics – The extreme dilutions make it impossible for any active ingredient to remain.

2.No Empirical Evidence – Clinical studies and meta-analyses show homeopathy works no better than a placebo.

3.Lack of Mechanism – There is no scientifically plausible way for homeopathy to have an effect beyond placebo responses.

Threats such as

1.Delaying and avoiding serious medical treatment.

2.Many homeopathic remedies are sold at high prices, despite containing no active ingredients beyond water or sugar.

3.The promotion of homeopathy as "natural" or "holistic" falsely suggests that modern medicine is harmful, creating distrust in doctors and scientists.

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In this case I will talk about the LSD, which stands for lysergic acid diethylamide. It was first synthesized by serendipity, which means discovering something by accident while trying to find out another thing, in 1938 by Swiss chemist Albert Hofmann while researching ergot alkaloids for medicinal purposes. Its psychedelic properties were discovered in 1943 when Hofmann accidentally absorbed a small amount through his fingertips. Intrigued by the vivid hallucinations and altered states of consciousness he experienced, he later conducted a self-experiment, confirming its potent effects. This chance encounter shifted the focus of research to LSD's potential in psychotherapy and expanded its influence on culture, highlighting how unexpected findings can lead to significant developments in science and society. (Andrea Dominguez)

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Example of a common pseudoscience in Panama: Curanderismo (traditional healing)

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Example of a common pseudoscience in Panama: Curanderismo (traditional healing)

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Name and description: Curanderismo is a traditional healing practice in Panama that uses herbs, spiritual rituals, and energy healing to treat illness.

Why it seems scientific: It uses medicinal plants, which gives it credibility. Terms like “detox” and “energy balancing” also make it seem scientific.

Why it’s not scientific: While some herbs have real benefits, most treatments lack scientific proof. Spiritual healing and energy manipulation have no evidence to support them.

Why it’s popular: People trust tradition, and some lack access to health care. It’s also cheaper than modern medicine, and many prefer “natural” treatments. People believe pseudoscience because it’s familiar, simple, and reinforced by culture. Misinformation is easily passed down through generations. It becomes a problem when people rely on it instead of real medical care. Education can help solve this problem.

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In the Andes, farmers in Peru and Bolivia have used the brightness of the Pleiades stars for centuries to know when to plant potatoes for the best rainfall. Scientists have now confirmed that changes in the atmosphere, especially during El Niño, affect how bright the stars appear. Satellite data shows that more clouds during El Niño years make the Pleiades dimmer, which means less rain and lower crop yields. Because of this, farmers change their planting times based on what they see in the stars. This shows how traditional knowledge and science can work together in farming. (Andrea)

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A panda in Detian Waterfall standing in the middle during winter