Teaching About Evolution and the Nature of Science (St. in Social and Political Theory; 19)

"Teaching About Evolution and the Nature of Science provides a well-structured framework for understanding and teaching evolution. Written for teachers, parents, and community officials as well as for scientists and educators, this book illustrates how evolution explains both the great diversity and the underlying similarity of the earth's organisms; it explores how scientists approach the question of evolution; and it describes the nature of science as a way of knowing about the natural world. In addition, the book provides answers to frequently asked questions to help readers understand many of the issues and misconceptions about evolution."--Jacket Today many school students are shielded from one of the most important concepts in modern science: evolution. In engaging and conversational style, Teaching About Evolution and the Nature of Science provides a well-structured framework for understanding and teaching evolution.

Written for teachers, parents, and community officials as well as scientists and educators, this book describes how evolution reveals both the great diversity and similarity among the Earth's organisms; it explores how scientists approach the question of evolution; and it illustrates the nature of science as a way of knowing about the natural world. In addition, the book provides answers to frequently asked questions to help readers understand many of the issues and misconceptions about evolution.

The book includes sample activities for teaching about evolution and the nature of science. For example, the book includes activities that investigate fossil footprints and population growth that teachers of science can use to introduce principles of evolution. Background information, materials, and step-by-step presentations are provided for each activity. In addition, this volume:

-- Presents the evidence for evolution, including how evolution can be observed today.
-- Explains the nature of science through a variety of examples.
-- Describes how science differs from other human endeavors and why evolution is one of the best avenues for helping students understand this distinction.
-- Answers frequently asked questions about evolution.

Teaching About Evolution and the Nature of Science builds on the 1996 National Science Education Standards released by the National Research Council--and offers detailed guidance on how to evaluate and choose instructional materials that support the standards.

Comprehensive and practical, this book brings one of today's educational challenges into focus in a balanced and reasoned discussion. It will be of special interest to teachers of science, school administrators, and interested members of the community.

Contents......Page 7 Preface......Page 8 1 Why Teach Evolution?......Page 11 Dialogue--the Challenge to Teachers......Page 17 2 Major Themes in Evolution......Page 21 Dialogue--Teaching About the Nature of Science......Page 32 3 Evolution and the Nature of Science......Page 37 Dialogue--Teaching Evolution Through Inquiry......Page 54 4 Evolution and the National Science Education Standards......Page 57 5 Frequently Asked Questions About Evolution and the Nature of Science......Page 65 6 Activities for Teaching About Evolution and the Nature of Science......Page 71 Activity 1 Introducing Inquiry and the Nature of Science......Page 76 Activity 2 the Formulation of Explanations: an Invitation to Inquiry on Natural Selection......Page 84 Activity 3 Investigating Natural Selection......Page 88 Activity 4 Investigating Common Descent: Formulating Explanations and Models......Page 91 Activity 5 Proposing Explanations for Fossil Footprints......Page 97 Activity 6 Understanding Earth’s Changes Over Time......Page 100 Activity 7 Proposing the Theory of Biological Evolution: Historical Perspective......Page 103 Activity 8 Connecting Population Growth and Biological Evolution......Page 110 7 Selecting Instructional Materials......Page 115 Appendix A Six Significant Court Decisions Regarding Evolution and Creationism Issues......Page 131 Appendix B Excerpt from “Religion in the Public Schools: A Joint Statement of Current Law”......Page 133 Appendix C Three Statements in Support of Teaching Evolution from Science and Science Education Organizations......Page 134 Appendix D References for Further Reading and Other Resources......Page 140 Appendix E Reviewers......Page 143 Index......Page 145 Credits......Page 149