Concepts of Biology (BIOL115) - Dr. S.G. Saupe (ssaupe@csbsju.edu); Biology Department, College of St. Benedict/St. John's University, Collegeville, MN 56321

Evolution/Creation Debate

Many school districts, including our local St. Cloud schools (District 742) have had to deal with the issue of creationism. Some individuals, including some biology and chemistry teachers, have suggested that creationism should be taught in our public schools as a viable alternative to evolution.  After all, isn't evolution "just a theory?"  In class, we will do a role-playing exercise that will attempt to replicate this issue in front of a school board.  Each person will be assigned a role (see below).  The Superintendent will call the meeting to order.  On the agenda, two high school biology teachers are petitioning the school board to allow him/her to teach creationism in the unit on origins.  The teacher will take the floor first and address the issue.  The teacher will be rebutted by two local college biology teachers.  Then, each side will have the opportunity to speak about the issue.   The school board will then debate the issue and vote.  What will happen?

1 Superintendent Neil K
2 School Board Member Bridget B
3 School Board Member Kevin H
4 School Board Member Erik E
5 School Board Member Amanda S
6 School Board Member Elise G
7 School Board Member Ashley H
8 School Board Member Matt S
9 High School Science Teacher Jon O
10 High School Science Teacher Megan W
11 College Biology Teacher Andrew H
12 College Biology Teacher Andrew C
13 Fundamentalist Minister Jay E
14 Fundamentalist Minister Christy J
15 Catholic Priest Jenna F
16 Catholic Priest Emily C
17 Attorney Callie M
18 Concerned Citizens/Parents/Student Andrea H
19 Concerned Citizens/Parents/Student Jessi H
20 Concerned Citizens/Parents/Student Maggie R
21 Concerned Citizens/Parents/Student Keven T
22 Concerned Citizens/Parents/Student Casey C
23 Concerned Citizens/Parents/Student Elise W
24 Concerned Citizens/Parents/Student JenK
25 Concerned Citizens/Parents/Student Jessica D
26 Concerned Citizens/Parents/Student Chris O
27 Concerned Citizens/Parents/Student Beth B
28 Concerned Citizens/Parents/Student  
29 Concerned Citizens/Parents/Student  
30 Concerned Citizens/Parents/Student  
31 Concerned Citizens/Parents/Student  
32 Concerned Citizens/Parents/Student  
     

 

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Last updated: December 09, 2004     � Copyright by SG Saupe / URL:http://www.employees.csbsju.edu/ssaupe/index.html