Teaching Religion and Science: Effective Pedagogy and Practical Approaches for RE Teachers

Can religion and science co-exist successfully in the classroom? How can you encourage an environment where differing views are treated positively? How do you help students apply their understanding of religious beliefs and scientific theory to a range of ultimate questions?

Teaching Religion and Science aims to give RE teachers a pedagogical foundation for the teaching of religion and science topics, and for the teaching of religion as a whole. It will help you to have confidence to include what might appear to be challenging or controversial topics in your lessons, and provides guidance on how religion and science themes can be effectively addressed using appropriate classroom teaching methods.

Containing a wealth of practical advice to help you turn pedagogical theory into practice effortlessly, it helps you understand your own attitudes to the subject, as well as those of your students, to ensure successful teaching. Essential guidance includes:

• activities to help you apply pedagogic practices to your own particular classroom situation
• advice to help minimise potential difficulties whilst tackling controversial issues
• links to a wide range of resources and advice on further reading
• comprehensive lesson plans for ages 11-16 and 16-19.

Designed to be a resource for all training and practising R.E. teachers, Teaching Religion and Science offers much needed support for successfully integrating the teaching of religion and science in your classroom.

Tonie Stolberg is Lecturer in Science and Science Education at the University of Birmingham.

Geoff Teece is Lecturer in Religious Education and Director of Studies for Initial Teacher Education at the University of Birmingham.