Vikings in America

Student Handout

Making the Case

In addition to gathering evidence to support their theories, scientists must disprove arguments against them. The theory below is controversial today. Study the evidence and argument listed, and then answer the questions that follow. Use a separate sheet of paper to answer the questions.

Theory: Using cellular phones may cause people to develop brain cancer, because of the electromagnetic fields emitted by the phone. (Electromagnetic fields are emitted from any object that contains electric and magnetic energy, such as a cellular phone.)

Current evidence that supports this theory: A number of people who use cellular phones have been diagnosed with brain tumors.

Current argument against this theory: There are not enough users of cellular phones with brain cancer to assume that electromagnetic fields cause brain cancer.

1. Neither of these statements presents a convincing argument because there is not enough information presented. What questions would you ask about each side of this case in order to find out more about the issue?

   
   
   

2. What kind of people might have the information you need?

   
   
   

3. What type of information would make you believe one of the arguments in this issue?