Written by a Working Group on Teaching Evolution,
comprising biologists, geologists and teachers. Approximate grade levels for the
suggested activities -- some 5 through 8, others 5 through 12, and still others
9 through 12.
The chapters are entitled:
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Why teach evolution?
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Major themes in evolution
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Evolution and the nature of science
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Evolution and the National Science Education
Standards
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Frequently asked questions about evolution and the
nature of science
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Activities for teaching about evolution and the
nature of science. This chapter suggests eight activities -- Introducing
inquiry and the nature of science; The formulation of explanations, an
invitation to inquiry on natural selection; Investigating natural selection;
Investigating common descent, formulating explanations and models; Proposing
explanations for fossil footprints; Understanding Earth's changes over time;
Proposing the theory of biological evolution, historical perspective;
Connecting population growth and biological evolution.
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Selecting instructional materials
There are appendices on:
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Six significant court decisions regarding evolution
and creationism issues
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Excerpt from "Religion in the Public Schools :
A Joint Statement of Current Law "
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Three statements in support of teaching evolution
from science and science education organizations
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References for further reading and other resources
