As a practicing teacher in Scotland I was able to write a programme of study
year before last in line with the relevant curricular documents, in
particular I included evolution, Darwin, natural selection etc. As part of
it there is mention of creation and the place it holds in various religious
texts. It specifically mentions respecting others beliefs etc but this
section culminates in the class debating evolution vs creation. They are
given books on both sides, access to the web and computers for power point
as well as various fossils etc. Basically it is a mini project and at the
end they vote - it allows them to see for themselves what the evidence is
for both sides, it allows them to see that questioning things is a useful
way of learning, it gives them transferable skills and it allows them to
have a good time whilst engaged in education. All classes I have tried this
with enjoy the approach and they generally ask when they are going to be
doing their next debate. Just for completeness sake I feel I should report
that every time this has been carried out the vote has come down heavily on
the side of evolution.
Gordon
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