Evolutionary biology is, perhaps, the most under-appreciated science in our country, and yet it is the basis for all biological, biochemical and biomedical thinking. In an effort to address this problem, I am developing an evolution course that fosters discussions across generations in our community. This will be a community-based learning course in which UW Bothell students establish a one-quarter collaboration with classes in public schools.
At UW Bothell we will begin by analyzing the preconceptions about evolution that we have in our classroom. So much confusion surrounds this topic, that it's essential for us to truly understand the basic evolutionary principles. Evaluating and synthesizing these materials requires us to address our misconceptions head on.
Then, we'll divide into small groups, each of which will visit a public school. The first visit will solicit misconceptions in the areas of evolutionary biology that the public school teachers want us to address. The second will present an activity that addresses the misconceptions that were identified before.
I expect to teach if for the first time in the 2008-09 academic year.