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?