Introduction

Task

Process

Evaluation

Conclusion

Teacher Page

Resource Page

Introduction

Evolution is considered to be "The Unifying Theory of Biology", but at the same time is is very much a controversial issue among teachers, students, parents, and community members in many school districts across the country.  

Many people have very strong religious viewpoints that cause them to shy away from studying evolution.  Some of these people use their beliefs to justify a stance that evolution should not be taught in schools.  Some use this to say that the entire theory of evolution simply cannot be true.

Many biologists feel that evolution must be taught because it is the effect of other biological processes.  These processes, such as molecular biology and genetics, would be the cause and evolution would be the effect.  Some even use the theory of evolution to debunk religion, and say that God cannot exist.

While at the same time others believe that there is room for both in their lives and that being religious does not mean that you cannot accept the facts of evolution.  This viewpoint is often times missing in debates on Evolution vs. Creationism.

In this consensus building activity you and your group members will each represent a person with each of these differing viewpoints in order to come to a decision as to if evolution should be taught at your high school.  You will be playing the roles of concerned taxpayers, parents and, community members. You will then use a multimedia application to present this consensus to others, and try to persuade the board to vote how you would.

Page created by: Justin Dammeier. Last Updated: February 27, 2002