ABSTRACT

 A Teacher’s Guide to Science and Religion in the Classroom provides practical guidance on how to help children access positive ways of thinking about the relationship between science and religion. Written for teachers of children from diverse-faith and non-faith backgrounds, it explores key concepts, identifies gaps and common misconceptions in children’s knowledge, and offers advice on how to help them form a deeper understanding of both science and religion.

Drawing on the latest research as well as the designs of successful workshops for teachers and for children, there are activities in each chapter that have been shown to help children understand why science and religion do not necessarily conflict. The book highlights children’s interest in the so-called "Big Questions" that bridge science and religion and responds to the research finding that most children are missing ideas that are key to an explanation of why science and religion can be harmonious.

The book explores key concepts and ideas including:

  • Nature of science
  • Power and limits of science
  • Evolution, genes and human improvement
  • Miracles, natural disasters and mystery
  • Profiles of scientists, including Galileo and Newton

A Teacher’s Guide to Science and Religion is an essential companion for preservice and practising teachers, providing session plans and pedagogic strategies, together with a cohesive framework, that will support teachers in fostering children’s curiosity and enthusiasm for learning.

chapter 1|10 pages

Introduction

chapter 2|11 pages

All you need is science, or is it?

Exploring scientific, theological and other “ways of knowing”

chapter 3|16 pages

Creating linkages

You don’t have to reinvent the curriculum!

chapter 6|11 pages

Storytelling and Galileo

chapter 7|8 pages

How scientific is that?

A practical guide to discuss the power and limitations of science in secondary schools

chapter 8|9 pages

Isaac Newton

chapter 9|8 pages

Evolution

chapter 10|11 pages

Miracles

chapter 11|9 pages

God and natural disasters

chapter 12|13 pages

Science at the movies

Remediating the misconceptions and developing ethical reasoning

chapter 13|11 pages

Beyond experimentation

Teaching a broader model of what scientists do

chapter 16|7 pages

Awe and wonder in science

chapter 17|8 pages

Evolution and religion

Mary anning – embracing faith and science

chapter 18|6 pages

Thinking beyond the classroom