Teaching evolution has become a hot and heavy topic to many in the education world. Should we teach it, or should we just "x" it out and pretend like it's a topic that doesn't exist?! Well, the truth is it is a topic that exists, and a topic that somewhere along the way kids will hear about and wonder about. Yes, it is a very controversial topic, and a topic that people either strongly agree or disagree on. We all know what evolution is, the process by which different kinds of living organisms are thought to have developed and diversified from earlier forms during the history of the earth. In science, especially in upper grades, science vocabulary such as Darwinism and natural selection will make an appearance and if students don't understand what evolution is, they will not understand Darwinism and natural selection.
As for me, I am 110 % on board with children (at the proper age) being introduced to evolution. I agree however, that it is one of those units that the teacher needs to have done thorough research on and approach from a neutral point of view. I believe by educating children on how to think critically and to develop their own thoughts and opinions we can open doors to new things/ opportunities. As a society, I think we sometimes try to pretend certain topics don't exist just to ensure we don't offend anyone. If we understand that individuals can develop their own opinions and have their own thoughts regarding a topic we can make it a lot further in the science world. :)
This was a misconception for me! I will need to review myself what evolution really is!
ReplyDeleteThank you for this! The goal of education is to give children the tools to learn for themselves and discover new things! We, as teachers, need to encourage genuine and relevant research, and to stay on top of it! We have learned in this class that our knowledge changes over time (just like organisms!) haha
ReplyDeleteRebecca, you are so awesome with words!! Thank you for agreeing and for seeing that our goal as teachers is to simply give the children the tools to learn for themselves!! :)
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