Year 9 Science · Unit 4 · Lesson 7

Pseudoscientific Claims in Popular Media

Challenge Worksheet

Name
Date
Class

Learning Goals

Odd one out

Circle the item that does not belong in each group. Then explain why it doesn't fit in the answer column.

#GroupYour answer (odd one + reason)
1 Testimonial    Before-and-after photo    Peer-reviewed trial    "Doctors hate this"
2 CSIRO    NHMRC    Choice    A product's own sales page
3 "Flushes toxins"    "Realigns your energy"    "Boosts your aura"    "Lowered blood pressure in a trial"
4 Named study    Large sample    Control group    Paid celebrity quote

Evaluate the advert

An advert claims...

"PureGlow Detox Crystals: this all-natural ancient remedy, used by healers for over 2000 years, removes harmful toxins and chemicals from your body and boosts your immune system. Clinically proven! Sarah, 34, says: 'I felt amazing after one week, it's a miracle!' The big medical companies don't want you to find out. Order now and feel the difference in just 7 days."

(a) Identify at least four separate red flags in this advert. Name each red flag and quote the words from the advert that show it.

Challenge 4 marks

(b) The advert says it is "clinically proven" and includes Sarah's quote. Explain why neither of these counts as scientific evidence that the crystals work.

Challenge 3 marks

(c) Write a clear, step-by-step plan you would follow to fact-check this advert. Name at least two trusted sources, explain what evidence would change your mind, and state what conclusion you would reach if no real study could be found.

Challenge 4 marks

Wrap Up

In one sentence, what was the main idea of this lesson?