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Paranormal Claims Laboratory

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Grades 6-860-75 minSource: Creative Dad Company

Kids design fair tests for spooky claims — like a haunted object or a dowsing rod — using blind trials and controls to see what evidence actually holds up.

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Every level teaches the same core idea — pick the one that fits your time, budget, and energy today.

Prep: 15 minActivity: 35 min1 session~$1/groupOne table or a clear section of floorBeginner-friendly

Setup

Print or hand-copy the essential prompt for Paranormal Claims Laboratory, then set out only paper, pencils, and the common or recycled items needed for one test. Use a tabletop representation whenever the original version mentions a room, specialized device, or digital tool; the learning comes from the decisions and evidence, not elaborate scenery.

Activity

  1. Pick a spooky claim to investigate and predict what result would actually count as evidence for or against it.
  2. Design a fair test with a control condition, randomization, and a way to keep the tester blind to the answer.
  3. Run multiple trials, find the first results look convincing until a control trial exposes a flaw, and redesign the test to remove it.
  4. Present the lab's verdict with the data, explaining exactly why the test does or doesn't support the claim.

Done when: The group has completed Paranormal Claims Laboratory when it can present the lab's verdict with the data, explaining exactly why the test does or doesn't support the claim and point to the observation, measurement, comparison, or trial that supports its conclusion.

Materials

everyday objects to test, blindfold, notecards, coin for randomization, timer, clipboard

Shown for the Quick Start version — switch tabs above to see what changes.

Disclosure: Materials links below go to Amazon. As an Amazon Associate, Creative Dad Company earns from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

Steps

  1. Pick a spooky claim to investigate and predict what result would actually count as evidence for or against it.
  2. Design a fair test with a control condition, randomization, and a way to keep the tester blind to the answer.
  3. Run multiple trials, find the first results look convincing until a control trial exposes a flaw, and redesign the test to remove it.
  4. Present the lab's verdict with the data, explaining exactly why the test does or doesn't support the claim.