Teaching Evolution in Israel: Attitudes of Biology Teachers and the Public

• In Event: AERA Poster Session 3
  In Poster Session: Science Teaching and Learning

Abstract

We examined the attitudes of Israeli Biology teachers and the public (Arab, Jews, religious and secular), toward evolution and the teaching of evolution. Most of the teachers and the public reported that evolution contradicts their religious beliefs and most of them supported teaching evolution. Despite this support, most teachers do not teach evolution. Among the public, higher levels of education correspond to greater support for the teaching of evolution.
Some religious participants supported teaching evolution and provided interpretations of the biblical text that are congruent with evolution. Other religious individuals wanted to ban this content and pointed to contradictions between the theory of evolution and their beliefs. The concern that evolution contradicts religious belief was stronger within the Arab sector.

Authors

• Aviva Klieger, Beit Berl College

• Maram Ighbaria, Beit Berl College

• Liron Torati, Beit Berl College