Teaching Evolution Through Inquiry-Based Lessons of Uncontroversial Science

摘要: [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Nothing in biology makes sense except the light of evolution. --Theodosius Dobzhansky (1973, The American Biology Teacher) Antibiotic resistance, genetically modified produce, avian flu, and invasive species persistence are just a few scientific issues pulled from headlines that affect society on daily basis. Understanding these requires knowledge evolutionary processes. Educating students about evolution may never have been as necessary it is today; however, public battles between science religion provide hurdles to teaching (Futuyma, 1995; Miller et al., 2006). need produce equipped understand current future societal relevance rarely disputed. Therefore, we must find creative ways accomplish this goal. Improving student's ability be achieved through an inquiry-based module focuses relevant uncontroversial geological, physical, life sciences. This engages determining age their fossil, its relationship living organisms, observing natural selection collaborative learning. By first understanding methods used by paleontologists document processes, later lessons specific effective well-received. Building Evolutionary Understandings Without Using E-word As National Science Foundation (NSF) GK-12 Graduate Fellow collaborating with eighth-grade teacher at under-represented middle school northcentral Florida, I was eager teach our students. However, soon mentioned studied evolution, frequently responded, "I'm not related monkeys." When proceeded explain is, "change properties populations organisms over time" (Mayr, 2001), noticed were often unwilling open minds discussions regarding subject, whereas other disciplines (such geology or ecology) elicited such reactions. Why they shutting off when "evolution"? How could get them what really is? then remembered exhibit saw Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum Natural History taught numerous concepts without ever mentioning word "evolution." Could do same? quickly learned building understandings science, classification methods, allowing engage selection. described here consists three address Education Standards (National Resource Council, 1996; Table 1) potential improve process skills interdisciplinary content. All utilize group collaborations activities model done university professors scientists. Additionally, each lesson material including law superposition (i.e., idea younger sediments laid down top older sediments), relative vs. absolute dating for fossils surrounding rocks), e-word, "evolution," any order maintain while engaging processes study biology. Because e-word mentioned, upon completion module, crucial discussed reference learned. Students can learn explicitly connecting experiences module. Stratigraphy Mystery told fossil evidence demonstrates support …