Support JREF In The Classroom
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- Written by Bart Farkas
- Category: Swift
- Hits: 9333
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JREF in the Classroom is the centerpiece of the foundation’s work to bring its educational mission and message of skepticism and critical thinking to K-12 teachers and their students. Participating teachers promote critical thinking, science appreciation, information literacy, and raise awareness about the need to critically examine unproven claims. As the program succeeds, their students gain an intellectual toolset needed to succeed in school and better navigate a life full of difficult decisions, confusing information, and conflicting claims. Best of all, the JREF hopes the kids find the material irresistible as it often examines fascinating topics from the paranormal and extraordinary claims from the fringes of science while remaining relevant to other classroom content and addressing expected educational standards.
Martha Speaks the Truth
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- Written by Michael Blanford
- Category: Swift
- Hits: 12910
Being a parent and director of educational programs at the James Randi Educational Foundation, I pay close attention to both skeptical and credulous themes in children’s television programming. While I spend a lot of time talking about shows that fail to present skeptical messages and situations (and no, I don't think all shows should), I also like to mention those shows that get it right.
A perfect example of this would be Martha Speaks from PBS Kids. PBS, a network known for high quality science programming like NOVA, also has its share of missteps. Their providing a venue for new-age woo peddler Deepak Chopra comes to mind. They have also missed the mark with kids programs. An episode of the National Science Foundation funded PBS series Curious George had students visiting a naturopath and learning about naturopathy as an effective alternative to traditional medicine, a position completely at odds with the scientific evidence.
James Randi at the Magic Castle: In Conversation with Max Maven
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- Written by JREF
- Category: Swift
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On September 14, 2010 in Hollywood, California, James Randi had an on-stage conversation with Max Maven at the World Famous Magic Castle, in front of a standing-room-only audience. This is a recording of that event.
What happens when the JREF and Australian Skeptics join forces? TAM Australia!
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- Written by Richard Saunders
- Category: Swift
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The Amazing Meeting Australia (known to thousands on Twitter as #TAMoz) has been called a huge success by delegates and speakers alike.
Although official events did not kick off until the evening of the 25th of November, the week leading up to TAM was abuzz with delegates from all over the world arriving in Sydney and taking the opportunity to meet before the big event. There were many non-official or ‘TAM-Fringe’ events organised by individuals and promoted via the meetup.com web site.
This week also saw the arrival, on various days, of our guest speakers, many of whom were greeted at Sydney Airport by members of the TAM organising committee. It was quite a sight when The Skeptics Guide to the Universe (SGU) podcast team landed, complete with families and friends including George Hrab! A large mini bus was on hand to transport the crowd into the heart of the city.
Read more: What happens when the JREF and Australian Skeptics join forces? TAM Australia!
Michael A. Stackpole on "Communicating our Skeptical Message" from TAM 5.5
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- Written by Michael Blanford
- Category: Amazing Meeting
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In an effort to make our extensive video library available online free of charge, The James Randi Educational Foundation is posting high quality digital video lectures and sessions from previous Amaz!ng Meetings and other events on randi.org. Check back often to see the latest video content.
Michael A. Stackpole is a podcaster, best-selling science fiction writer, author of the "Pulling Report" which debunks myths about the harmful effects of role playing games, and a long-time activist skeptic. In this fun and informative talk from The Amaz!ing Meeting 5.5, he tells us how to effectively communicate our skeptical message through mainstream media, blogging, or in conversations with friends and family.
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