Evolution

Science

Secondary

How teachers are handling creationism vs. evolution in lessons

The suggestion that the teaching of evolution is being threatened by a rise in creationism amongst religious students is investigated by Dr Adam Rutherford in this science vs. religion video for teachers. Hear the views of the former director of education at the Royal Society, Reverend Professor Michael Reiss. Adam also learns that science teachers are being challenged and distracted by increasing questions about creationism and intelligent design, and some are avoiding the issue altogether so as not to upset religious sensitivities.

Adam Rutherford on Evolution and Creationism

Inspiring lesson ideas for teaching Darwin's theory of evolution

Former Teacher of the Year Ceri Evans inspires a group of gifted and talented Year 10 students in an active lesson about Darwin's theory of evolution. Using a variety of games and challenges, Ceri leads a group of gifted and talented pupils and, in the process, provides science teachers with some effective ways of teaching about one of the most important ideas in the history of philosophy and science.

A review of a range of current resources for teaching evolution

With the bicentenary of Charles Darwin's birth bringing a renewed focus on teaching evolution, Resource Review focuses on evolution resources at primary and secondary levels. The panel, including teachers, local authority advisers and university experts, gives its opinion on the resources and offers advice on what does and doesn't work in the classroom. Finally there is an overview of some of the activities and resources on offer from organisations taking part in the celebration of Darwin's achievements. 2009 marks both the bicentenary of Charles Darwin's birth and the 150th anniversary of the publication of On The Origin of Species.

A head of science uses innovative ways of exploring evolution

Caroline Molyneux, head of science at Balshaw CE High School uses several innovative methods of delivering the KS4 curriculum about Darwin and the Theory of Evolution. Caroline explores evolution with hands on techniques such as making pupils dress up as gorillas, and explaining the evolution of Galapagos Finches by using kitchen implements to pick up fruit and nuts. Caroline encourages a heated debate on evolutionary thinking versus creationism, in which the school chaplain is invited to provide guidance to the creationist approach. This programme shows how Caroline's approach allows for religious beliefs within the classroom to be catered for, whilst still effectively delivering the curriculum.

KS3/4 Science - Teaching Evolution

A look at a self-supporting eco-system intended for space travel

An investigation into MELISSA, an artificial eco-system intended for space travel, including discussions with astronauts about the role of micro-organisms in space travel, in this engaging video for KS4 science lessons. MELISSA, or Micro-Ecological Life Support System Alternative, has been developed as an artificial closed loop eco-system in which micro-organisms are used to break down human waste, produce nutrients for plants, absorb CO2, produce oxygen, and grow edible algae. At labs in Belgium and Barcelona, scientists give updates on the MELISSA project experiments, and explain the types and functions of various micro-organisms involved. They also talk about the unknowns of microbial evolution, the risks of mutation, and the need to do further space-based testing.

Micro-organisms in Space

Geneticist Richard Dawkin's views on teaching science and faith

Richard Dawkins, professor of the public understanding of science at Oxford University, talks to Sheena McDonald about science, creationism and faith schools. Controversial geneticist Dawkins is known for his outspoken views on teaching religion and science in schools. In this special programme the author of The God Delusion explains why he believes that teaching creationism in schools is like teaching the myth that storks deliver babies. Dawkins also explains how he believes the teaching of science can be made more appealing to young people, why he believes segregated faith schools are "wicked" and why children should be taught more scripture.

Professional Development for Quality Teaching

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Adam Rutherford on Evolution and Creationism

Evolution

Evolution

KS3/4 Science - Teaching Evolution

Micro-organisms in Space

Richard Dawkins - Talking Education - Episode 1