Review by Clare Marsh [Scottish Humanist Society]

Now that creationism is being included in the science curricula of a growing number of UK universities (The Independent, 22 June 2006) a project called "Science and Religion in Schools" has made a timely appearance ... more

The project, based in Oxford, has been written by practising teachers of science and religious studies and examined by academic experts in the field of science and theology. The stated aim of the project is to stimulate open-minded discussion and to ensure that students are well informed and have a balanced view of the issues which arise when the claims of science are compared with those of the major world religions.

The teaching materials are divided into two parts; one designed for pupils aged 7-11 and the other for pupils aged 11-19.Each pack contains a guide and a CDROM and have been written and edited by practising teachers. They cover most areas examined by the many syllabuses for Religious Education and Religious Studies in the UK. The CD-ROMs provide a wealth of material, beautifully presented to stimulate teachers and pupils.

Eminent thinkers propounding a religious point of view are given equal space with philosophers who questioned religion including those of the Enlightenment and our own David Hume gets due credit.

Unit 2 in the primary pack poses the questions: Does science tell the truth? Is science always right? You believe it but can you prove it? Thus by stimulating discussion pupils are invited to reach their own conclusions. Information is provided about the famous scientists who have been devout believers and the possibility of inferring anything about a creator from the appearance of design in the natural order is fully explored.

Unit 4c in the secondary pack provides an understanding of the evolutionary theory and a description of the various reactions of Christians to the theory; Young-Earth Creationism, Progressive Creationism and Theistic Evolution. The students are asked to consider the main issues and beliefs attached to different viewpoints. They also examine the Scopes Monkey trial as an important case study of the kind of debate that has taken place over issues concerning creation and evolution.

Recent discoveries in the fields of cosmology and particle physics are also investigated as are topical issues such as 'care of the environment', 'genetic engineering' and 'animal rights'. Important interactions between the great religions of the world and science are considered e.g. Unit 3c The Golden age of Islam and Unit 3d Christianity and Modern Science.

The two packs together cost £29.50 but can be purchased separately. For this you get lesson plans (containing aims, objectives, assessment criteria and suggested activities) also student resource materials (including AV presentation, worksheet and graphic materials) for a total of over 200 potential lessons.

This is an extremely useful teaching resource which has become available not a moment too soon.