Biology teacher resource help

First of all let me say I am a Christian so you know where I am coming from. I admit my bias. I actually teach Biology at a Christian School. This is not my specialty, so I am in need of help. In case you are wondering my specialty is earth science, and I do not believe in a young earth. I posted here because many of the responses I have read have been logically presented with data to back them up.I am desperately trying to understand things from an evolutionists point of view. I want to do this scientifically. My problem is that I don't know were to look for good unbiased scientific data. I'd like to compare this with an honest scientific viewpoint presented from the other side. Most creationist sites seem to be unable to do this. There seems to be good data representing the new facts supporting evolution, but I need some basics. Many positions on evolution present the basics as already understood, without data to show the proof. I'm not saying there is no data. I just don't know where to find it. So, please recommend internet sites, books, forums, etc.In addition, has anyone found any creationist arguments that make sense. Know that I am not looking at building a case against evolution. I just want to talk openly and intelligently about science. Of course I would like to find some fallacies in the argument for evolution, but I hope you welcome the challenge. This is good science. I want to be challenged in my opinions as well, so that if I am wrong I will know.I have heard a lot of arguments (by creationists) against evolution. These are presented to christians, who accept them because it makes them feel better about their faith in God. What they don't realize is how unscientific and illogical these arguments are. I refuse to teach such idiotic dogma. I have faith in God, but that faith cannot be divorced from my mind. Any help, encouragement, or advice would be much appreciated.FBEdited by Adminnemooseus, : Changed topic from "resource help" to "Biology teacher resource help"

No, my question isn't about the age of the earth. And the textbook info only tells so much. I guess a better way to have stated my question would have been, If you had to convince someone, given that that person was somewhat intelligent, unbiased, and had a basic understanding of biology, that evolution was sound theory, where would you start?. I promise this question isn't meant to antagonize, you won't get any smart@$$ replies, if you respond.

It's funny you mention the MIT site Molbiogirl. Just found it a week ago. I've been watching Walter Lewins physics lectures ever since. I watched one of the bio lectures, just what i'm looking for. To be honest one of the main reasons I have asked this question, is that I have a parent complaining that i'm teaching evolution. i really don't want to push either issue. what i do want, is to teach kids how to think. i believe that teaching them how to recognize false conclusions from either side is of utmost importance. this parent wants to throw ken hovind in my face. i just want to slap people like that.oh well, what do you do. i'm fortunate though. it is only one parent out of the whole school. at least my admin sees that the argument against evolution is weak. i just can't, in good conscience, teach anything that hovind guy says.thanks for the help guys. keep the suggestions coming.
fb

Yes this is the type of info I want. I just read "what is an articulate informed creationist", to be honest, yes, I'm a little intimidated. So before I jump into this discussion, which i want to do, give me some background, so I can intelligently talk about this. I've specifically been interested in what genetics has to say about evolution. I get the feeling, others can elaborate on this issue as well.Re. the thread "what is an articulate ...." some of you were saying that you needed more creationist, and that maybe you could help them improve their way of thinking. Well here I am. Willing to learn, just realize that it is necessary to debate. If you are willing to teach, then you must also be willing to listen. That way any wrong thinking can be weeded out and dealt with. I think the problem is that too many have had the unpleasant experience of arguing with someone who refuses to admit that they are wrong.fb

Just looked up the 29+ evidences. This should do nicely. Thanks modulous.fbEdited by fishboy, : No reason given.

I picked up on that. Thanks. However, it did give me a place to start. I've been hearing these types for years. Not that I don't value randman's opinion. Remember, I'm looking for a good place to start. I feel like I've already accepted the old earth way of thinking, so no need to go there, but anything else is welcome.fbfbEdited by fishboy, : No reason given.

I like your style molbiogirl. Thanks for the wealth of information. Can't wait to finish those physics lectures. The first 20 min. or so I've just watched are fantastic.fb

Randman, didn't mean to offend. I do want both sides. Just so you know, i am a creationist. Your reply explaining the inbreeding of dogs is good, its just that i need the data. Honestly, when I read that post, it didn't sit well. It just seemed there was something missing. Later when I read arachnophilia's reply to your post, I saw why. Again this isn't meant to provoke. I'm just trying to clarify the type of information I'm looking for. Besides neither of you gave me a reference where i could look at the issue for myself. So why should I accept either opinion.I must admit, you did hit at something in this post."Imo, evolutionists don't help students develop critical thinking. Even this site claims most biologists don't even understand evolution all that well....maybe they are correct and I shouldn't slam them for that. But if that is the case, why are we teaching kids something Phds don't really understand?"(sorry not yet sure how to quote)I feel like I get the run around when I try to research this topic. I realize that part of this is that evolution covers so many different disciplines, you almost have to be an expert in every field to be able to wrap your head around it. This post rambled a bit, but I did feel your frustration.fb

Actually no. Everyone here has been great for the most part. What I really mean is that most of the textbooks I have read only give a little info that is treated like fact. I just want to see how they came to that conclusion. Many here have been giving me just what I was looking for. Thanksfb

Thanks modulous. Good thread.fb

quote
"Well, would you think that a History or Physics textbook was "giving you the runaround" because it didn't include all of the relevant historical source material or original research papers?Are you saying that Biology textbooks do this sort of thing more than other subjects, or do you just tend to be more suspicious of the content of Biology books, compared to other subjects?"Well... OK you got me. No, really thanks for pointing this out. I am biased. Of course my environment has made me more suspicious, but this is why I have asked this question. Thanks though for pointing this out.fb