Workshops are separately ticketed events held before the main program begins on Thursday and after the main program ends on Sunday.
Attendees may register for workshops separately or purchase an All Workshop Pass. Workshops run in concurrent tracks.
Track A – Skeptical Education | Track B – Skeptical Activism | |
Thursday 9:00AM: | Science & Skepticism 101
The Science & Skepticism 101 workshop is your introduction to the skeptical community. If you are new to the movement, attending your first TAM, or are a veteran needing to brush up on the basics, you will leave the workshop knowing the ins and outs of modern scientific skepticism. No prior knowledge of skepticism is assumed, and only a rudimentary interest in science is needed. This workshop is scheduled for the first day of the conference so that you can be up to date on all the topics that will be discussed as the weekend goeson.Presenter: Kyle Hill
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From Witch-burning to God-men: Supporting Skepticism Around the WorldBelief in pseudoscience and the paranormal can cause harm all over the world. In this workshop, you will learn how you can help promote evidence-based thinking from a distance. Presenters: Eran Segev, Leo Igwe, |
Thursday 11:00AM: | Dr. GoogleHow to find reliable health information online and elsewhere, and skeptically evaluate the information you find. Workshop attendees will learn about how professionals and non-professionals can use information access to improve their health care while avoiding common misconceptions and pitfalls. Presenters: Steven Novella, |
Promoting Skepticism at the Local LevelAt the Amazing Meeting, skeptics from all over the world gather to recharge their skeptical batteries, but what to do with that enthusiasm when you return home? How do you start a skeptical group in your area, and what can you do to help foster critical thinking in your community? Presenter: Brian Thompson |
Thursday 2:00PM: | Astronomy for Skeptics: Investigating “Lights” in the SkyJames McGaha uses his years of experience as a USAF pilot and astronomer to teach you how to determine what those mysterious lights in the sky really are. Presenter: James McGaha |
The Future of Skepticism Online: Crowd-Sourced ActivismSkeptic blogs and podcasts are plentiful and excellent, but often end up “preaching to the choir” of the already skeptical. Are there ways to use other online tools to reach out to the general public? This workshop will explore the use of skeptic crowdsourcing to accomplish that. Technologies covered will include Wikipedia, Web of Trust, Fishbarrel, StackExchange, Universal Subtitles, Foursquare, Yelp and the new tool RBUTR. We’ll also take a look at upcoming new tools that are not yet available. Presenters: Tim Farley, Derek Colanduno |
Thursday 4:00PM: | Investigative Methods for the SkepticJoin a panel of seasoned paranormal investigators as they teach you the best methods for examining extraordinary claims. Presenters: Ben Radford,
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Coalition Building for the Skeptical ActivistSkepticism can be a uniting force among groups with differing politics, social philosophies, and mission statements. How can these groups use skepticism to overcome their differences and work together to promote a common cause? Presenters: Sharon Hill, Chris Stedman, Kitty Mervine, Dave Silverman, David Niose
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Sunday 4:30PM: | How to Tell the FutureParticipants will be instructed on how to do “psychic” or character readings. They will also will perform readings on each other. The goal is not to increase the number of cold readers, but to show how easily a cold reading can convince people they have experienced the supernatural. Presenter: Ray Hyman |
Promoting Skepticism in Classroom SettingsTeachers, parents, and activists for education will learn new teaching strategies and build critical-thinking curricula. The workshop will include demonstrations and lessons appropriate for a variety of age groups and an opportunity to discuss specific challenges with the panel and other educators. Presenters: Michael Blanford, Barbara Drescher, |
Note: An All Workshop Pass entitles you to enter any of the ten workshops, but because of scheduling, you will not be able to attend each one. See schedule above.