The teaching of evolution in public schools has come under fire at times. In 1923, a Tennessee science teacher was arrested and imprisoned for teaching evolution in biology class. The case went to trial and became the basis of the play/movie Inherit the Wind. The Kansas board of education voted in 1999 to remove the teaching of evolution from science classes in public school. In 2005, the school board in Dover, PA agreed to require intelligent design (a form of creationism) to be taught in public schools alongside evolution. As recently as 2011, the teaching of evolution in public schools was again debated by the Texas state school board.
Your task is to state a claim about the merits of students learning about evolution in school. You will support that claim using citations/paraphrasing from textual resources. Additionally, you will develop and explain a counterclaim.
There are many potential questions that could be discussed at length regarding evolution and its impact on humankind. For example, should students . . .
- learn about evolution because it is important?
- not have to be exposed to it because it does not impact society/life on Earth?
- learn about evolution because it is dangerous to be unaware of?
- learn about evolution because it is currently taking place?
- not be required to understand it since humans can overcome it?
- not learn it because it is not supported by trustworthy evidence?
- learn it because it is a good example of how science works?
- be exposed to it since it explains our origins and/or our relationships with other species?
Essay requirements:
- an essay at least 5 paragraphs in length with 3 arguments/reasons supporting a claim in response to the task as well as a counterclaim
o an introductory paragraph with background information and your claim, at least 3 body paragraphs presenting 3 arguments supporting by evidence and quotes, a counterclaim with support, and a conclusion
- 12 point font and 1 inch margins
- at least 2 sources and a bibliography
- at least 3 quotes properly cited using APA format as well as a bibliography
- an explanation of the meaning of each quote and a clear connection to the thesis
Your essay is (tentatively) due on Tuesday, January 24, 2012.
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