Teaching and Learning About Evolution

25 T he National Association of Biology Teachers considers evolution to be the foundation for middle school life science. In the National Science Education Standards (NSES), evolution is an essential component of the science curriculum at all grade levels. With this book as your guide, your charge is to help youth learn about evolution as the unifying theme of the life sciences. How do you guide kids’ understanding? What are the potential pitfalls? Th is chapter covers what you need to know based on the most recent research and advice about the teaching and learning of evolution. First, I shall present the National Science Education Standards. Th en I will turn to current research on some of the best ways to teach evolution. Finally, I will tell you what researchers know about how kids learn about evolution and ways to use this knowledge when you teach, whether in informal or formal settings. All major scientifi c and research organizations in the United States agree that evolution is a major unifying concept in the life sciences and should be included in the K–12 science education frameworks and curricula (NSTA 2003). Why is there such consensus? Scientists use the theory of evolution because it explains, with simplicity and elegance, the similarities and diversity found in all living organisms. Teaching and Learning About Evolution