Teaching about evolution and the nature of science / [Working Group on Teaching Evolution, National Academy of Sciences].

Format:

Book

Contributor:

National Academy of Sciences (U.S.). Working Group on Teaching Evolution.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Evolution (Biology)--Study and teaching.

Evolution (Biology).

Science--Study and teaching.

Science.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (150 p.)

Edition:

1st ed.

Place of Publication:

Washington, DC : National Academy Press, c1998.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

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:

""Contents""; ""Preface""; ""1 Why Teach Evolution?""; ""Dialogue

THE CHALLENGE TO TEACHERS""; ""2 Major Themes in Evolution""; ""Dialogue

TEACHING ABOUT THE NATURE OF SCIENCE""; ""3 Evolution and the Nature of Science""; ""Dialogue

TEACHING EVOLUTION THROUGH INQUIRY""; ""4 Evolution and the National Science Education Standards""; ""5 Frequently Asked Questions About Evolution and the Nature of Science""; ""6 Activities for Teaching About Evolution and the Nature of Science""; ""ACTIVITY 1 Introducing Inquiry and the Nature of Science""

""ACTIVITY 2 The Formulation of Explanations: An Invitation to Inquiry on Natural Selection""""ACTIVITY 3 Investigating Natural Selection""; ""ACTIVITY 4 Investigating Common Descent: Formulating Explanations and Models""; ""ACTIVITY 5 Proposing Explanations for Fossil Footprints""; ""ACTIVITY 6 Understanding Earth�s Changes Over Time""; ""ACTIVITY 7 Proposing the Theory of Biological Evolution: Historical Perspective""; ""ACTIVITY 8 Connecting Population Growth and Biological Evolution""; ""7 Selecting Instructional Materials""

""Appendix A Six Significant Court Decisions Regarding Evolution and Creationism Issues""""Appendix B Excerpt from “Religion in the Public Schools: A Joint Statement of Current Law�""; ""Appendix C Three Statements in Support of Teaching Evolution from Science and Science Education Organizations""; ""Appendix D References for Further Reading and Other Resources""; ""Appendix E Reviewers""; ""Index""; ""Credits""

Notes:

Description based upon print version of record.

Includes bibliographical references (p. 130-132) and index.

ISBN:

0-309-18541-6

1-280-18606-2

9780585033498

9786610186068

0-309-53221-3

0-585-03349-8

OCLC:

44247428