Evolutionary theory in secondary schools: Some teaching issues

Abstract

This chapter brings out the curriculum changes in the teaching of Evolutionary Biology over 100 years in French High School. First and foremost, we examine what scientifi c knowledge is required and then, we wonder whether current curriculum will properly answer the questions raised by students. The fi rst part focuses on an overall of the content to be taught and epistemological anchorages points of the curricula from 1950 to today. The second part highlights the main students’ conceptions about the history of life on Earth and points out the lacks of the curriculum to meet students’ questions about the relevance of the Theory of Evolution. The last part is a discussion on new prospects of Evolutionary Biology teaching, which is not only limited to the transmission of scientifi c knowledge but should also help students to change their misconceptions and to develop their own critical thinking with regard to creationist or intelligent design arguments.