However, perhaps you know that “dioxin” does not refer to a single compound. Some “dioxins” have little to no toxicity while others have specific toxicities.

In fact the word refers to two completely different types of compounds. In common usage, “dioxins” refers to polychlorinated dibenzodioxins, while “dioxin” can refer to dibenzofuran.

Different chemicals, different toxicities.

But again, in the class we barely focus at all on the specific compounds. This is an intro class for non-science majors, and it was also an introductory lecture to the class in which we simply talk about the nature of science, the nature of evidence, and the fallacy of using individual anecdotal correlations.

I hope that answers your question.

Obviously, some basic memorization is necessary in understanding science and its terminology. But I personally think that the underlying critical thinking skills are a thousand times more important to impart to those young developing brains.

But no – No Child Left Behind says they must be taught to take multiple choice tests. Who cares if they’re actually thinking. And I can tell you first hand that the effects of the NCLB method are already apparent in the current freshman college students.

Thanks for the comment!

However, what you’re doing is sure to make an impact. I commend you for your valiant efforts in the war against pseudoscience.