An In-Class Discussion Activity on the Nature of Science and Intelligent Design

TL;DR

This paper presents an in-class discussion activity designed to help elementary education majors critically examine the inclusion of Intelligent Design in science standards, fostering understanding of science and pseudoscience issues.

Contribution

It introduces a novel classroom activity that engages future teachers in analyzing the scientific validity of Intelligent Design.

Findings

Students gained a better understanding of science versus pseudoscience.

The activity stimulated critical thinking about science education standards.

Positive student engagement observed during discussions.

Abstract

In this paper I describe an in-class discussion activity aimed at helping elementary education majors in a physical science course think about issues surrounding the inclusion of "Intelligent Design" in public school science standards. I discuss the background instruction given, the content of the activity and some results from its use in class.