Teacher's Guide to Science and Religion in the Classroom

A Teacher’s Guide to Science and Religion in the Classroom provides practical guidance on how to help children access positive ways of thinking about the relationship between science and religion. Written for teachers of children from diverse-faith and non-faith backgrounds, it explores key concepts, identifies gaps and common misconceptions in children’s knowledge, and offers advice on how to help them form a deeper understanding of both science and religion.

Drawing on the latest research as well as the designs of successful workshops for teachers and for children, there are activities in each chapter that have been shown to help children understand why science and religion do not necessarily conflict. The book highlights children’s interest in the so-called "Big Questions" that bridge science and religion and responds to the research finding that most children are missing ideas that are key to an explanation of why science and religion can be harmonious.

The book explores key concepts and ideas including:

• Nature of science
• Power and limits of science
• Evolution, genes and human improvement
• Miracles, natural disasters and mystery
• Profiles of scientists, including Galileo and Newton

A Teacher’s Guide to Science and Religion is an essential companion for preservice and practising teachers, providing session plans and pedagogic strategies, together with a cohesive framework, that will support teachers in fostering children’s curiosity and enthusiasm for learning.

Berry Billingsley is Professor of Science Education at Canterbury Christ Church University and Principal Investigator of LASAR (Learning about Science and Religion). Berry has also worked in media producing science shows for children, and has led teacher education programmes in science teaching and related national and international research.

Manzoorul Abedin is a Research Fellow with LASAR at the Faculty of Education, Canterbury Christ Church University. He specialises in designing and presenting teacher education sessions and in addition, children’s workshops on questions bridging science and religion.

Keith Chappell is a biologist and theologian. He teaches ecology and evolutionary biology and is currently an Associate Fellow with LASAR, Canterbury Christ Church University.