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Evolution vs. Creationism

Man from apes?
Garden of Eden?
Where did humans come from?
These questions have boggled people for years.
There are two theories about the origin of man:
Evolution (Scientific Theory) and Creationism (Religious Theory)

I. INTRODUCTION

The School Board is trying to decide which theory should be taught in schools. Each theory has its own pros and cons and needs to be evaluated before a decision can be made. A debate will be taking place at the next School Board meeting to help decide which theory will be taught in schools.
PA Academic Standards

II. YOUR TASK

You have been chosen to participate in this very important event. Before you can be in a debate you need to do some research to help back up your position. Your class will be split into three groups.
Group 1
Pro-Evolution: trying to persuade people to choose Evolution
Group 2
Pro-Creationism: trying to persuade people to choose Creationism
Group 3
School Board Members: responsible for asking the questions of the groups

III. PROCESS

First, the groups will be chosen so you know what part you are playing.
Each person will then do their own research and take notes that will help them in a debate. You should be researching both sides of the debate. A good debater will know about the other side of the debate as well as their own so that they can accurately argue their position with facts and information.
If you are pro Evolution, you are looking for information that will persuade others to choose Evolution over Creationism. If you are pro Creationism, you are looking for information that will persuade others to choose Creationism over Evolution. If you are a School Board Member you are doing research so you know what questions to ask and whether or not the other groups are making accurate statements.
Use the websites provided below to find your information and takes notes in your copybook. You can also use your science textbooks as a reference.
After you are done your research, your group will get together and compare notes. This is time to prepare your responses to what the other side might say and how you would back up your position OR prepare the questions you will be asking.
With your group, you should prepare an opening statement, one rebuttal, and your closing statements.
- An opening statement introduces your position and states the main ideas of the theory you are supporting.
- A rebuttal is when you respond to the statements made by the other team. Most rebuttals are spontaneous because you have to wait to see what the other team will say, but you are preparing one rebuttal that will state why you think the other theory is not the right one to choose.
- Closing statements summarize your position. This is your last chance to persuade people to choose your side.
We will then come together as a whole class and have our debate, Evolution vs. Creationism.

Format of Debate

All members of the group are expected to participate during the debate whether they have an assigned part or not.

You will have 5 minutes preparation time with your group at the start of class.
Opening statements - Made by one person from each group. (5 minute limit per group)
5 minutes to prepare for rebuttal statements.
Rebuttal statements - All members of the group are allowed to participate during the rebuttal but one person should be assigned the prepared rebuttal. (5 minute limit per group)
Questions - The School Board members will ask questions of the groups. All members of the group are allowed to participate at this time.
Closing Statements (5 minute limit per group)

Questions to Think About
As you are doing your research, use these question to help you decide what is important information and to make sure you have all the information you will need. You should answer each question twice, once for Evolution and once for Creationism.

1. What does the theory state? (main idea)
2. What proof or documentation does this theory have?
3. Why is it such a widely accepted theory? By who?
4. Why would it be valuable for students to learn?
5. Why would it be unfavorable for students to learn?

Useful Websites
Excellent site for both theories
Evolution and Education
Encyclopedia on Darwin
Evolution Theory
Darwinism Refuted
Human Evolution
Great Info on Creation vs. Evolution
Summary of both theories
Games about Evolution and Prehistoric Life
Evolution informations and games
Science and Creationism
Creationism (good resource on creationism but a little harder to understand)
Overview of the Debate (looks at both theories)
Creationism from the point of view of a skeptic

IV. EVALUATION

You will be graded as a group based on your performance during the debate. The following rubric will be used to give your group their final grade.

Class Debate : Evolution vs. Creationism
CATEGORY	4	3	2	1
Information	All information presented in the debate was clear, accurate and thorough.	Most information presented in the debate was clear, accurate and thorough.	Most information presented in the debate was clear and accurate, but was not usually thorough.	Information had several inaccuracies OR was usually not clear.
Use of Facts/ Statistics	Every major point was well supported with several relevant facts, statistics and/or examples.	Every major point was adequately supported with relevant facts, statistics and/or examples.	Every major point was supported with facts, statistics and/or examples, but the relevance of some was questionable.	Every point was not supported.
Rebuttal	All counter-arguments were accurate, relevant and strong.	Most counter-arguments were accurate, relevant, and strong.	Most counter-arguments were accurate and relevant, but several were weak.	Counter-arguments were not accurate and/or relevant
Organization	All arguments were clearly tied to an idea (premise) and organized in a tight, logical fashion.	Most arguments were clearly tied to an idea (premise) and organized in a tight, logical fashion.	All arguments were clearly tied to an idea (premise) but the organization was sometimes not clear or logical.	Arguments were not clearly tied to an idea (premise).
Presentation Style	Team consistently used gestures, eye contact, tone of voice and an energy level that kept the attention of the audience.	Team usually used gestures, eye contact, tone of voice and an energy level that kept the attention of the audience.	Team sometimes used gestures, eye contact, tone of voice and an energy level that kept the attention of the audience.	One or more members of the team had a presentation style that did not keep the attention of the audience.
Understanding of Topic	The team clearly understood the topic in-depth and presented their information forcefully and convincingly.	The team clearly undestood the topic in-depth and presented their information with ease.	The team seemed to understand the main points of the topic and presented those with ease.	The team did not show an adequate understanding of the topic.
Respect for Other Team	All statements, body language, and responses were respectful and were in appropriate language.	Statements and responses were respectful and used appropriate language, but once or twice body language was not.	Most statements and responses were respectful and in appropriate language, but there was one sarcastic remark.	Statements, responses and/or body language were consistently not respectful.

V. CONCLUSION

Now that you have learned about both sides of this debate, which theory would you choose and why? Did you come across anything you would want to research further? Could you believe in both theories at the same time? Why is it important for everyone in society to remember there is more than one theory out there?

Created by:
Michelle
Corinne
Jenn

Questions? Comments?
Email mpregler7@msn.com

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