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The Evolution of Creationism

Critically Appraising Intelligent Design

By Robin Pals-Rylaarsdam

The Evolution of Creationism


 

Abstract

This PBL case on Intelligent Design was written for freshman biology majors at a Christian liberal arts college. Students read about the claims and actions of proponents of Intelligent Design as they work for its inclusion in the high school science curriculum. In the process, students learn about the nature of science and the importance of evolution in the field of biology. More advanced students are given the task of critically evaluating one specific (and much cited) claim made by Intelligent Design supporters that the irreducible complexity of the bacterial flagellum suggests it cannot be the product of evolution.

   

Date Posted

11/08/2005

Overview

Objectives

  • Investigate and report the claims and criticisms of Intelligent Design (ID).
  • Read about the actions of ID proponents as they work for inclusion of ID in high school science curricula.
  • Review the nature and limits of science.
  • Describe the importance of evolution in the field of biology.
  • (Advanced option) Critically evaluate one specific ID claim: that the irreducible complexity of the bacterial flagellum suggests that it cannot be the product of evolution.

Keywords

Intelligent design; creationism; evolution; irreducible complexity; bacterial flagellum; science curriculum

  

Subject Headings

Biology (General)
Evolutionary Biology
Science (General)
Science Education
Teacher Education

EDUCATIONAL LEVEL

Undergraduate lower division, Undergraduate upper division, General public & informal education, Faculty development

  

FORMAT

PDF

   

TOPICAL AREAS

Pseudoscience, Scientific argumentation

   

LANGUAGE

English

   

TYPE/METHODS

Problem-Based Learning

 

 

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