Creationism vs Evolution; is evolution really a better explanation for the existence of the universe?

Introduction

For thousands of years, scientists, philosophers, and evangelists have debated whether the earth was created by an intelligence, or evolved into existence through natural processes. This question, whether you know it or not, has impacted your view and purpose of life. For example, a creationist may believe that they were placed on earth for a reason, and therefore have a purpose to be alive. Evolutionist on the other hand, may believe that they are alive by mere chance, and therefore have no set purpose of life.

Creationism is the belief that an intelligence or creator is responsible for the existence of our universe and everything; non-living, or living inside of it. 

The evolutionary view, on the other hand, believes that the Universe and everything in it came into existence through natural processes.

Task

Because you have already learned about the evolution view in Biology, it is time for you to look at another view concerning the orgins of the universe and life.

Your task will be to examine the creation view deeply and use critical thinking skills to look at evidence that either supports, or does not support the view( Creationism)

The links below will lead you to websites that go into depth on the creation view. Your job will be to read each link, and provide a summary on the evidence that you found. On a sheet of paper, make a T-chart for each article and write evidence for, and against creation.

1. http://www.icr.org/earth-unique -This site speaks the uniquness of planet earth

2.https://answersingenesis.org/evidence-for-creation/design-in-nature/ele… - This site talks about the incredible design of the human body

3. http://anthro.palomar.edu/evolve/evolve_3.htm - This site, in order to keep an open mind, speaks about evidence for evolution. 

4. http://www.cecwisc.org/QuestionOfTheMonth/is-there-any-scientific-evide…- This site speaks more about evidence for creation

 

Remember, think critically for yourself, and take notes summarizing evidence for, and against creation.

Process

To show that you have gained knowledge from reading and summarzing the various articles presented about Evolution and Creation, you will now create a PowerPoint presentation.

1. Decide whether or not Creation is a viable explanation for the universe

2. Create a PowerPoint presenting your view on whether or not Creation is an acceptable view.

3. Throughout your presentation, be sure to use atleast six quotes total (from the articles that were provided) in support of your argument

4. Make sure to have an intro, body, and conclusion. 

5. Have atleast seven slides.

6. On the last slide, provide a conclusion for your argument.

7. Throughout the PowerPoint, be sure to include your thoughts and what you found interesting from the articles.

Evaluation

After finishing your PowerPoint, you will present it to the class. You will be graded on the following Rubric

Don't forget: You must include six quotes, you are required to have atleast seven slides, and you must have an intro, body, and conclusion in your PowerPoint.

Project rubric

Conclusion

Throughout this webquest, you have gained knowledge on not only the evolutionary view, but also the creation view.

You have used Critical thinking skills to decide whether or not creation is a viable explanation for the orign of the universe.

You have created a PowerPoint supporting your argument.

You have presented your PowerPoint in a way that is educating to the entire classroom.

Credits

Thanks to Answers in Genesis, Institute for Creation Research, Creation education center, and Anthro Palomer EDU for the research they have allowed us to use. 

Teacher Page

Teacher: Mr. Sam Kiger- Contact me at samuel.kiger@lindsey.edu if you have any questions. 

Purpose: The purpose of this WebQuest was to encourage students to think critically in how they believe the universe came into existence. This WebQuest also encouraged students to widen their knowledge on evolution and creation.

Learning Description: Grades 6-12

Introduction: introduces students to the topic of creationism

Task: informs students on what steps need to be taken in order to research properly

Process: informs students on the project they will be required to do

Evaluation: informs students on how they will be graded

Conclusion: re-states the purpose of the WebQuest