What do teachers think about ‘Darwin-inspired’ science?

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Description/Abstract

As part of the bicentenary of Darwin’s birth in 2009, and the 150th anniversary of the publication of On the Origin of Species, the Wellcome Trust is interested in highlighting for students of all ages the relationship between Darwin’s work and contemporary science. They commissioned the University of Southampton in conjunction with the Institute of Education to conduct research on science teachers’ views and pedagogical approaches to evolution and other ‘Darwin-inspired’ science, and their resource and training requirements in relation to this. The aim of the study will help develop a strategy for assisting teachers in promoting the continued significance of Darwin’s work in contemporary science.

Ten focus group meetings of teachers across key stages 1 to 4 and post 16 were held in Southampton and London, and six hundred questionnaires were sent to primary, secondary and post 16 science teachers in Northern Island, Scotland and Wales.