Teaching Evolution – Philosophy
Opening Closed Minds
The idea is that inaccurate preconceptions can block a student’s understanding of evolution. The teachers says, “Evolution” and some students quit listening. In order to avoid that, this process is suggested:
1. Teach genetics
2. Teach “genetics in the environment” showing how species adapt and change due selective pressure. Several games are or this web site that can do so without using the vocabulary of evolution. That vocabulary is important and will be used after the concepts are understood.
3. Use lessons like “Giraffes”, “Candy Camouflage”, “Clipbirds”, and “Random Chaos Dots” (all found on this web site)
4. Write the basic tenets of natural selection on the board, but do not call it that yet.
5. Discuss the validity of each statement, referring back to the games
6. Now label this set of statements, “Evolution” or “Natural Selection”
7. Continue teaching evolution, openly using the vocabulary and applying it throughout life science instruction.
Here are some useful links for exploring evolution and lessons used in teaching it.
