Conspiracy Theories ... Critical Thinking ...

OK, I couldn't help it ... this looks interesting!

Conspiracy Theories in Aerospace History – A Lesson in Critical Thinking for the Internet Age - a free live online conference, Friday, October 28, 2011. There is still time to register for this unique event produced by the National Air and Space Museum.

www.smithsonianconference.org/conspiracy/

Historians and educators from the Museum, and guests from the Department of the Navy and National History Day, will demonstrate critical thinking skills they use to evaluate information.

This online conference runs from 10:45 AM EDT until 4PM EDT and includes a great line-up of activities for teachers and students:

Session 1: Thinking Critically About Amelia Earhart’s Disappearance

The disappearance of Amelia Earhart during her around-the-world flight attempt in July 1937 provides a “teachable moment” about critical thinking and the historical method.

Session 2: Thinking Critically About the Attack on Pearl Harbor

Despite months of warnings and increased hostilities between the two countries, the American forces were caught completely by surprise. How could this have happened? Was it bad luck, incompetence, or a well-executed plan of attack as most historians have agreed, or was it more?

Session 3: Thinking Critically About UFOs

In recent years, debate about UFOs has flourished online and been reflected in American popular culture. Why have these stories of aliens landing in foreign craft on Earth taken hold so strongly?

Session 4: Thinking Critically About the Apollo Moon Landings

Why has questioning of the Moon landings taken place? What does it say about our culture? How might we discern the truth; what critical thinking skills help to understand and assess evidence concerning the Moon landings?

During the conference, you and your students will interact directly with Smithsonian historians and educators. For more information on the conference and registration visit:

www.smithsonianconference.org/conspiracy

There are also free pre-conference activities to prepare for the event at:

www.smithsonianconference.org/conspiracy/pre-conference-activities/