Critical Analysis & Evaluation
📋 What it is
Scientists weigh evidence carefully — checking claims, spotting weak arguments and updating conclusions.
🗣️ Coach says
Good science means weighing evidence, not just collecting it. A paleontologist asks: is this fossil complete enough to be sure? Could there be another explanation? Does new evidence change the story? Being willing to say "we’re not sure yet" or "I was wrong" is a strength, not a weakness.
🧠 Memory hook
Weigh the evidence: is it enough? another explanation? does new data change it? Updating = strength.
😂 Giggle
What do you call a dinosaur that wears glasses?
A Do-you-think-he-saw-us Rex!
😲 Whoa!
Scientists once reconstructed a dinosaur with its skull on the wrong end of its body — later evidence fixed the mistake, showing how science self-corrects.
✅ Quick check: What should a scientist do when new evidence contradicts an old conclusion?
Say your answer out loud first — then reveal.
Update the conclusion to match the evidence — changing your mind for good reasons is how science works.
Science self-corrects as evidence improves.
🧪 Try it! (2 minutes)
Look at one "fact" you believe and ask: what evidence backs it? Could it be wrong?