I'm a science teacher and an Atheist and I don't by into all the evolution stuff?

Question

There are too many holes in it for me. But if I say anything the Frickin ACLU will threaten to sue the school. What should I do?

Answer 1

Evolution is established scientific fact. And if you don't know that, you have no business teaching children. As long as you do teach SCIENCE, not whatever your personal opinion happens to be. If you won't do that, get another job and leave our kids alone.

Answer 2

Just remember that evolution is only a theory... I think its pretty solid for the most part, but I agree that there are some holes... Science is full of theories, some provable, others not. I would not risk my job because I don't agree with something I had to teach; instead, maybe find a way to teach it that allows students to make up their own minds - acknowledge the strengths of the theory as well as the holes. Your curriculum should allow you some flex room to make additions to the material. As long as students are learning what they are supposed to, you have the freedom to teach from both sides of the theory...

Answer 3

Well I saw this sticker on a textbook once "No one was around when the world began. Evolution is just a theory" I would teach it as it is a theory and something that you students need to know. It is however, unethical of a teacher to talk about their personal opinions and moral beliefs in school as children are easily influenced by those opinions. in our school we no longer have christmas celebrations in order to be politically correct. (a little far if you ask me)

Answer 4

Where did you go to college and what kind of science classes did you take?!? Contrary to Ms. Artsy Fartsy above, who doesn't understand that the word theory as applied to science is not the same as her general use of the word, there are no other scientific theories for evolution. Creationism/Intelligent Design or whatever they are calling it now is just a disguise for teaching Christian beliefs. There is very little science in it. Where do you teach? I just want to make sure my kids don't go to your school.

Answer 5

Check your beliefs at the door. Your job is to teach science, and evolution is science, whether it has "too many holes in it for" you or not. I also suggest learning about natural selection from a reputable source; if you truly accept science as a consistent logical paradigm, you will have no choice but to accept evolution, as the scientific method has been rigorously applied to the subject. If you would like to see one example of natural selection at work under rigorous scientific study google: daphne major natural selection.

Answer 6

One cannot become a science teacher and not understand basic theory. You lied, either about being a science teacher here (most likely) or about your credentials in becoming a teacher (less likely).

But either way, your dishonesty does your cause a disservice. Learn a little about what you rail against, lest ye look the fool again.

Answer 7

Well, from a glance at your recent questions on evolution and global warming, you should probably do the students a favour a quit. Hopefully your replacement won't be an utter moron with no clue about science.

Answer 8

I teach art, so maybe I am all wrong here...isn't evolution still considered a theory? If so, present it as such. You must be a good teacher to acknowledge the possibilities and that there are no absolutes.

P.S. I hate the ACLU and teach in a private school where we are free to talk about ALL theories.

Answer 9

My science teacher briefly mentioned it. He did not test on the material. He approached evolution as something we could review independently and draw our own conclusions. It is a sensitive subject and I think he handled it well. He never mentioned his own personal opinion on the matter. He just let us make up our own minds about it.

Answer 10

You should put the needs of your students first and teach them all views without prejudice or bias (to the best of your ability) so they can learn to weigh the facts and decide for themselves. As a Christian teacher who believes the truth about God and who observes how scientific discoveries consistently confirm the Biblical account, it frustrates me that I am not allowed to share this view in a public school classroom. Even though I know that the theory of evolution is full of holes, I also know that I would be amiss to force only one viewpoint on my students or try and prejudice their thinking in a particular direction. Our highest goals as teachers is to instruct our students to observe facts, weigh the differences, and learn to think for themselves! There is a time and place to express your personal viewpoint but the classroom is a learning environment meant for all. Best wishes to you in your situation.