Teaching About Evolution and the Nature of Science

Provides a framework for understanding and teaching evolution. This book is written for teachers, parents, and community officials as well as scientists and educators, and describes how evolution reveals both the diversity and similarity among the Earth's organisms; and how scientists approach the question of evolution.

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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.


Table of Contents


Front Matter
Chapter 1: Why Teach Evolution?
Chapter 2: Major Themes in Evolution
Chapter 3: Evolution and the Nature of Science
Chapter 4: Evolution and the National Science Education Standards
Chapter 5: Frequently Asked Questions About Evolution and the
Nature of Science
Chapter 6: Activities for Teaching About Evolution and the Nature
of Science
Chapter 7: Selecting Instructional Materials
Appendix A
Appendix B
Appendix C
Appendix D
Appendix E
Index
Credits