How they start and why they persist

Objective: Science findings are based upon evidence. Distinguish between examples and non-examples of Science

 They are not easily verifiable.  Usually passed by word of mouth or more commonly today- in form.  Offer insight into our fears and the state of society.  Can be good fun.  Often too good to be true or at least partly based on fact.  Offer a moral lesson.  When people don’t understand something, they will fill in the gaps with their own information…often making it up.

True or False?

1. It takes seven years to digest gum?

2. The Great Wall of China is the only manmade structure visible from space? Photo Credit: IMAGE CREDIT: Courtesy of Image Science and Analysis Laboratory, NASA-Johnson Space Center.IMAGE CREDIT: Courtesy of Image Science and Analysis Laboratory, NASA-Johnson Space Center.

3.Humans use only 10 percent of their brains? Photo Credit: IMAGE CREDIT: Courtesy of the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering and Dr. Kamil Ugurbil, University of Minnesota.IMAGE CREDIT: Courtesy of the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering and Dr. Kamil Ugurbil, University of Minnesota.

4. Water drains backwards in the Southern Hemisphere due to the Earth's rotation? Photo Credit: IMAGE CREDIT: Morguefile.com / William RoeslyIMAGE CREDIT: Morguefile.com / William Roesly

5. A penny dropped from the top of a tall building could kill a pedestrian? Photo Credit: IMAGE CREDIT: stock.xchngIMAGE CREDIT: stock.xchng

6. A dog's mouth is cleaner than a human's? Photo Credit: IMAGE CREDIT: Morguefile.com / MaryIMAGE CREDIT: Morguefile.com / Mary

7. Lightning never strikes the same place twice? Photo Credit: IMAGE CREDIT: Courtesy Steven Vanderburg, NOAAIMAGE CREDIT: Courtesy Steven Vanderburg, NOAA

8. Seasons are caused by how close the Earth is to the sun? Photo Credit: IMAGE CREDIT: Courtesy NASA/JPL-CaltechIMAGE CREDIT: Courtesy NASA/JPL-Caltech

9. The five second rule? Photo Credit: IMAGE CREDIT: stock.xchngIMAGE CREDIT: stock.xchng

10. Hair and fingernails continue growing after death? Photo Credit: IMAGE CREDIT: stock.xchngIMAGE CREDIT: stock.xchng