Predicting your future

Materials :
Notebook
(provided) computer, PowerPoint, WORD

Day 1-3

Objective:
TLW employ the scientific method to test the ability to predict the future

Is it possible to create a scientific system to predict the kind of day you will have?

Scientifically minded people believe that astrology is merely a form of entertainment with broadly applicable generalizations and no serious predictive power. They claim several uresolved issues including:

  • The 2 major schools of astrology are diametrically opposed
  • Distance of planets supposedly are irrelevant, rather the position of the planets are most important. Yet, every year the position and arrangement of planets are completely different for the same sign
  • Birth is considered the critical starting point rather than conception. Does the womb have secret shielding powers?
  • China (the largest population) uses an astrolgical system based on the year
  • What are the odds that 1/12th of the planet is having the same kind of day?

In an attempt to ride the science wagon (predictability) some have proposed Biorythms as a better alternative. This assumes:

  • Physical, mental & emotional levels follow a sinusoidal pattern that begin at birth (not conception)
  • These waves each have a different frequency (arbitrarily determiend)
Perhaps genetics plays a more significant role. Or maybe nurture has a greater influence. How could you gather information about yourself/parents/others that might have predictive power about the day they are going to have?
* Design and test a system of your own that attempts to forecast human behavior
* Survey 5 different people for 3 consecutive days
Example independent variables: tides, moon distance, day of week, meals...
Example dependent variables: mood rating 1-10, test scores, heart rate, reaction time...
* Prepare to explain your system to the class and reveal your findings.
Impress us with Powerpoint, poster, data, graphs, equations, etc.

Notes:
In ancient times the Zodiac was used as a tool by prophets to foretell large scale events. Wandering stars (planets) would pass through constellations purportedly signifying special occurances. For example, King Herod's wise men would have noticed that the wandering star Jupiter (The King) was in such close conjuction with wandering star Venus (Mother) that it appeared as an unusually bright star around the projected time of the birth of Christ. For months prior to this, the planet of kings (Jupiter) experienced a rare triple retrograde in Leo (Lion of the tribe of Judah) around its member star Regulus (the king star).