Scientific Inquiry Project:
Falsification & Global Warming

In this project you will investigate a scientific claim related to global warming. Your task is not to argue emotionally or politically — your task is to apply scientific reasoning. You must evaluate evidence, examine competing explanations, and explicitly apply the principle of falsification.

Purpose of the Assignment

Science advances by proposing explanations that can be tested and potentially proven wrong. A theory that cannot be falsified is not scientific. In this project you will:

Group Structure & Deliverables

Group Work

  • Work in groups of 3–4 students
  • Each member must contribute equally
  • Each member must speak during the presentation

Final Deliverable

  • 10–12 slide presentation
  • 8–10 minute presentation
  • At least 2 peer‑reviewed sources
  • Proper citation of all data and visuals

Research Questions (Choose One)

1. Falsifiability

Why is falsifiability essential in science, and how does it apply to climate science?

2. Predictions

What predictions has global warming theory made, and how are they tested?

3. Counter‑Evidence

What evidence has been presented that challenges aspects of global warming theory?

4. Scientific Responses

How do climate scientists respond to critiques of climate models?

5. Historical Revision

Have climate-related hypotheses ever been revised or falsified?

6. Cognitive Bias

How does confirmation bias influence public debate about climate change?

Required Falsification Slide

A scientific claim must expose itself to the risk of being wrong.

Recommended Research Tools

Suggested Slide Structure

Video Resources

Karl Popper & Falsification
Introduction to falsifiability and scientific reasoning.
Science vs Pseudoscience
Understanding scientific standards and demarcation.
Climate Change Evidence (NASA)
Observable data used in climate science.
Climate Sensitivity & Uncertainty
How models are evaluated and stress‑tested.