Shadow of a Doubt

Magazine Overview

Title: Shadow of a Doubt
Issue: October, 1996
Publisher: National Capital Area Skeptics
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of "Shadow of a Doubt," the monthly calendar of the National Capital Area Skeptics, dated October 1996, features two main events and information on online access to NCAS discussions.

Events and Presentations

Complementary and Alternative Medicine Lecture

William D. Wurzel, M.H.A., M.D., from the Center for Mind-Body Medicine in Washington, D.C., is scheduled to present an overview and lead a discussion on complementary and alternative medicine. Dr. Wurzel is board-certified in anatomical and clinical pathology and has a background in hospital laboratory directorship and federal health care executive roles. The event is scheduled for Saturday, October 19, 1996, from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM at the Bethesda Library, located at 7400 Arlington Road, Bethesda, Maryland. Admission is free, and all are welcome.

University of Maryland Talk on Science Education in the U. S.

William H. Schmidt, Professor at Michigan State University and National Research Coordinator and Executive Director of the U.S. National Center for the Third International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS), will speak at the University of Maryland. The presentation is scheduled for Thursday, October 17, 1996, at 4:00 PM in Room 1410 of the Physics Building at College Park. Dr. Schmidt will discuss the "just released" cross-national curricular comparisons from the extensive investigation of mathematics and science education in over 40 countries. This study aims to document students' strengths and weaknesses in these subjects and is described as the largest study of comparative educational achievements ever undertaken, involving 45 countries, five assessed grades, over half a million students, and millions of open-ended responses.

Key research questions from the TIMSS study include how teachers in different countries teach, how these differences affect learning, what can be learned from these comparisons, and what curriculum differences exist among the participating countries.

NCAS Online Access

The issue provides information on how to access NCAS discussions online. An open discussion forum is maintained on WETA's CapAccess, which can be accessed free via their 80-line modem bank at 703-671-WETA (using terminal settings vt-100 8N1, up to 14.4K). Access is also available via Maryland's Sailor free Public Access system (dialing 301-424-4200 or 301-925-2400) or by telnet to capaccess.org. Users should log in as "guest" with the password "visitor" and then enter "go ncas" at the system prompt. The previously announced 202-DC number is no longer available.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue reflects the National Capital Area Skeptics' focus on critical examination of claims, particularly in areas like alternative medicine, and their interest in empirical data and scientific research, as evidenced by the inclusion of the TIMSS study. The organization promotes open discussion and access to information through various channels, including online forums.