Bad science

Scientists' findings are only of value if they have used a reliable method.  This involves taking close observations, recording their findings accurately, consulting other specialists, and testing results again and again.  If all the right procedures are followed, scientists can be confident about their conclusions. 

But what happens when they don't use the correct scientific process?  Find out about some famous mistakes that have been made in the past.

  • Piltdown man fossil
    Piltdown man

    Can you study the Piltdown Man fossil and avoid being fooled by the hoax from 1912 that fooled scientists for 40 years?

  • Beast of Bodmin Moor skull
    The Beast of Bodmin Moor

    Examine the fanged skull found on Bodmin Moor and determine for yourself whether it is proof that there really are great cats roaming the UK countryside.

Cartoon image of footprints leading through closing door

Our scientists study the snails that host the schistosomiasis parasite, which causes a disease that affects nearly 200 million people.