Evolution Project's Education Initiatives On PBS.Org/Evolution Expected To Have A Life Of A Decade Or More

Market Wire, 20050229

Pbs.org/evolution, the most extensive and engaging educational experience in evolutionary science on the Internet, features a wealth of educational materials that can be utilized by teachers, students and the general public for at least a decade. Evolution, the most comprehensive multimedia project ever about the theory of evolution, launched last September on screen, online and in print. The Evolution project includes the critically-acclaimed seven-part, eight-hour television series, which will enjoy an encore national presentation in May and June 2002 (check local listings or go to pbs.org/wgbh/evolution/about/local_listing.html for detailed scheduling information); an educational outreach initiative; a Web site (pbs.org/evolution); and a HarperCollins companion book titled Evolution: The Triumph of an Idea by acclaimed science writer Carl Zimmer. Evolution is a co-production of the WGBH/NOVA Science Unit and Clear Blue Sky Productions.

As the bedrock of all biology, perhaps no other scientific theory has as profound an effect on our daily lives as evolution. Understanding evolution is integral to the decisions we make daily about our health, our food supply, our choice of mate, the environment, our genes, and much more. "Evolution is the key to understanding the nature of all life on earth," says Evolution executive producer Richard Hutton. "By producing a multi-platform initiative that instructs and entertains, we hope to leave people with a clearer understanding of exactly what evolution is, how it works, and how important it is in our daily lives."

In keeping with PBS's commitment to education, the Evolution project's educational initiatives provide critically needed tools to educators on the topic of evolution. Evolution is a core tenet of biology according to the National Academy of Sciences, the National Science Teacher's Association, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and the National Association of Biology Teachers. It is included in the educational standards documents of 75% of all states.

"Teachers are hungry for interesting, interactive, and relevant resources to aid in teaching, " said John Banister-Marx, high school teacher, now with the Wright Center for Innovative Science Education at Tufts University. "And materials like Evolution's go a long way to further the goal of improving science literacy in this country."

Along with twenty-one engaging and educational features, pbs.org/evolution presents a comprehensive Evolution Library, teacher and student lesson plans, streaming video, and a downloadable Teacher's Guide to answer some of the most asked questions on the topic of evolution:

WHY DOES EVOLUTION MATTER?

Theodosius Dobzhansky, one of the fathers of the "modern synthesis" of evolutionary biology, stated that "nothing in biology makes sense, except in the light of evolution." To learn more go to pbs.org/wgbh/evolution/library

Evolution Library: This online library provides Web access to more than 800 multimedia resources, including video, animation, primary source documents, and still images -- all designed to enhance learning and teaching about evolution. Library categories include topics such as: What Is Science?, Evolution Since Darwin, Why Evolution Matters, and Science, Faith, and Politics.

WHAT IS THE EVIDENCE FOR EVOLUTION?

To investigate the fossil, biogeographical, anatomical, and molecular evidence that supports evolution log on to pbs.org/wgbh/evolution/educators/course/session3/index.html

Teaching Evolution: Online Course for Teachers: This eight-session professional development course will help high school biology teachers enhance their own knowledge of evolution, explore effective strategies for weaving evolution into their curricula, and learn some ways to deal with obstacles they may encounter from students, their parents, or the school administration. Sessions include: What is the Evidence for Evolution?, Is Evolution Still Happening?, and How Do You Deal with Controversy Around Teaching Evolution?.

HOW DOES EVOLUTION WORK?

Four, short videos streamed online at pbs.org/wgbh/evolution/educators/teachstuds/tvideos.html look at ways evolution is handled in high schools across the nation.

Teaching Evolution Case Studies: Three of the videos showcase teachers working with their classes on evolution-based lessons. These videos have a "fly on the wall" perspective, showing real teaching in real classrooms with typical high school students.

HOW DID HUMANS EVOLVE?

Human evolution is linked to the evolution of all species. Learn about this and more at pbs.org/wgbh/evolution/educators/teachstuds/tguide.html

Evolution Teacher's Guide: Designed for high school biology teachers, this teacher's guide complements and enhances the online educational resources. It serves as an engaging stand-alone resource as well as a tool to encourage teachers to use other project materials. The guide contains seven lessons linked to the high school biology curriculum and the seven short classroom videos, and all lessons are tied to national science education standards.