Atheists, if you were/are Science teachers, what would/do you do in this situation?

Question

I'm sure this happens quite often, but since I've never experienced it first hand, I'd like to know how it's dealt with:

Some of your students strongly debate your views on Evolution and they resort to "debunking" your scientific explanations with scripture quotes.

Do you try to prove them wrong? Do you let them be? Do you recant a bit in order to maintain the flow of the class/syllabus/program?

What would/do you do? Please consider all implications, side effects and consequences on your job and your principles.

And, how do you deal with Creationist parents, fellow teachers or (damn!) your superiors, should things get out of hand???

Answer 1

Scriptural quotes don't belong in any scientific debate. Science is an attempt to rise above superstition and faith by testing theories with hard evidence. No unproven and unreliable scripture could ever be justified in that context. Science does not allow any compromise on the truth, and no administration can circumvent that.

Answer 2

tougher in high school than college.

In college, the conversation would go something like this:

The theory of evolution is based on the scientific method.

Science changes the theories when new evidence points in that direction.

How do you know the Bible is accurate on scientific issues?

If the evidence points away from the biblical account, are you free to change the theory?

In an English or philosophy class, I would go over the various explanations for a claimed supernatural experience like god talking to you or to Joe Prophet a couple of thousand years ago:

You lied. Nothing happened

You had a delusion.

Something happened but it wasn't what you think. Even if you believe in God, how do you know it wasn't Satan?

If someone came to you with a "new" revelation, it would be tough to figure out which category it falls into.

Saying that it's in the Bible simply begs the question. That just means the person making the claim isn't standing right in front of you.

Answer 3

I would remind students that since this is a Science class they must present scientific evidence and religious scripture doesn't meet that qualification. That way you are not insulting the student or their religion but you are making a clear point that Science class is not the place or time for that discussion. If they continue in their arguments, ask them to perform a real experiment with repeatable results, on their own time, to prove their theory. That should shut them up. Do not ever back down scientific evidence in the face of mythological mumbo jumbo.

Answer 4

Wow thats a tough one.

I guess all you can do is teach from the school approved books, and try to keep the kids from disturbing the rest of the class. Let them know that they have every right to their beliefs, just like Hindu's have the right to believe in Reincarnation, but in this science class we are studying the book at hand, not the bible or any Hindu holy scriptures.

If they continue to disrupt the class I would send them to the principal for being disrespectful, and suggest an meeting with the parents in which an alternative class might be offered. If parents don't want their kids to learn the truth, sometimes you have to cut your losses and let them grow up ignorant.

Answer 5

I would not try to prove them wrong; I would once say that science class is not an appropriate forum in which to argue religious beliefs. I might ask specific focussed question to see if they had done the reading. If they persisted, I'd send them out of the class, as I would any other disrupters, or (if an overwhelming majority) dismiss the whole class and penalize ALL for disruptive behavior. I'd document as soon as possible, and get the principle to commit to supporting appropriate class etiquette, which is the issue, not anyone's beliefs or politics. If the students were unable to meet the requirements of the course, I'd give them the grade they earned, plus comments in their permanent record.

Answer 6

As a teacher, not only would it be dishonorable to debate religion in a science class, but it's probably not allowed. However, I wouldn't just "shut them up." I'd allow students to voice their views (as long as it didn't get too "Bible-y") accordingly with whatever it is I'm discussing. Either way, I wouldn't presume to tell someone else, much less my own student, what or what not to believe.

Heh, I loved what someone said about their teacher simply saying "...but you need to know this for the test." That'd certainly get the ball rolling again.

Ultimately, just remember that there is always a more appropriate time and place for religious debate, but in this day and age, the classroom is simply not one of them.



PS. As far as fellow teachers, parents, and superiors, just know your place when the time comes to "shut your mouth." You're not obliged to debate theories with parents, so politely assert and yet assure that what you're teaching is strictly according to curriculum. As far as teachers and superiors? It won't get out of hand, at least to the extent that your job will be at stake. A little friendly debate during lunch hour never hurts. But as long as you're doing what you're supposed to be doing, you'll be fine.

Answer 7

I am a science teacher, and I am an atheist.

SO-
When we go over evolution, I let the students know that I am simply teaching facts that have been accepted by the scientific community. I let them know that many of them may not agree, but that they should respectfully listen. I also tell them that I am not allowed to discuss the Bible in class with them, so I will not allow the conversation to carry on when it is started. I have never had parents come to me about it...when we went over ANIMAL reprodcuction, I had parents tell me that they didn't wish for their students to remain in the class room because I was advocating sexual intercourse. I had to oblige their wishes and send those students to the media center when we went over anamoty and reproduction.

My mom is a science teacher at a Christian school, and, inversely, they do not teach evolution. She tried to explain it to the kids, and her principal came to her and told her that it was not even to be mentioned.

Answer 8

Simply agree to disagree. Many people have conflicting views on science/religion and their importance in our school systems. As a teacher, it is your responsibility to keep the class focused on the MATERIAL, not OPINIONS. Try redirecting the conversation back to the schoolwork until the class is over. You aren't going to change their minds on their faith with your scientific explanations just like they aren't going to change your mind with their scripture quotes. As long as you are teaching them the material required by your state, your job should not have any negative side effects/consequences and as far as your principals go, if you really want to attempt to change their perspective, start up an AFTER school debate group that can meet weekly/monthly and encourage everyone to go with an open mind. (That also means you.)
Hope that helps!

Answer 9

I would tell him/her this is not Bible study, and move on.
After class I would take the child aside and speak to them privately. Explain that this is not a debate, this is a classroom, his behavior is disruptive and will not be tolerated. This is the curriculum and you don't have to agree with it but you are required to learn in. I don't think I would let them opt out as some suggested. So many creationists have a very poor understanding of evolution, after they learn it if they don't agree that is their prerogative.
I think my job would be quite safe. I personally could care less what the parents think.

Answer 10

I would point out that they are right, evolution IS a scientific theory. A scientific theory is _________. It follows from the scientific method as: ______. And these are the reasons why evolution is considered supported by evidence to a point to qualify as a scientific theory: ______. These are the pieces of evidence that cause experts in the relevant fields to continue to include it in science curriculum: ______.

If we were to get into "Creation" we would have to cover many, many religions, mythologies, stories, and explanations. (List some of the thousands of creation stories out there.) Those are not, however, subjects for a science course.

Answer 11

Firstly, I am not a teacher, but I have experience in this situation. Two sisters in my high school biology class did not believe in evolution. The teacher would not entertain any debate which involved religion because it was a public school. She would not entertain any debate on the subject at all because there was nothing to debate. The girls were given the option to skip the evolution lectures because of their beliefs and do additional assignments on other subjects like cell bio. etc.