Are Psychics For Real?
RBHS Main / Mancoff Main / Sci-Fi Main

Introduction
Task
Process
Resources
Conclusion

Introduction:

    There's never an average day at the office when you work for National Spy Magazine.  You investigate the strange, the unexplained, and the extraordinary.  Your current assignment is to look into the claims of reknowned psychic Uri Geller.  People say he can bend spoons with the power of his mind, tell the future, and read people's thoughts.  Sounds like a story you need to investigate!

Task:

    Imagine that you are a newspaper reporter who has been asked to write an editorial about Uri Geller, a self-proclaimed psychic.  Do some investigating, look into Geller's claims, and then write a newspaper editorial either agreeing with or disagreeing with his claims of psychic abilities.

Process:

1.    Use the resources below to research the mysterious Uri Geller.

2.    Decide whether you do or don't believe Geller's claims.

3.    Take notes that support your point of view.

4.    Write an editorial supporting your opinion.  The editorial should:

  • be at least two pages in length - 12 pt. font, double spaced, typed (3 handwritten).
  • clearly take a position - either agreeing or disagreeing.
  • quote from the research to support your opinions.
  • be written in a 1st person, editorial style.
  • be clearly organized into paragraphs.
  • be spell-checked and edited for punctuation and grammar.
  • make reference to at least three of the sources listed below.

Resources:

Uri Geller's Homepage
(Uri Geller's official web site)

Uri Geller: Frequently Asked Questions
(A personal user's list of questions/answers about Geller)

 Science Skeptics FAQ-- Psychic Powers
(Argues AGAINST the existence of Geller's powers)

 Skeptic's Dictionary: Uri Geller
(A skeptical look at Uri Geller's powers)

 Richard Feynman Visits Uri Geller
(An article by a world-famous scientist about meeting Geller)

Conclusion:

    Now that you have written your article, you have been able to look into the life of someone who really claims to have some of the abilities that make Carrie so frightening!  Uri Geller is not the only self-proclaimed psychic in the world, but he is one of the most convincing.  What a strange world it would be if these kinds of powers and abilites existed!