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Teaching evolution and climate change can be challenging in communities where many people distrust or reject the well-established evidence for these areas of science. NCSE helps classroom teachers and informal science educators present these topics with confidence and support communities when threats to evolution and climate change education emerge.
Our talented staff, well-versed in online presentation delivery, can bring dynamic and unique virtual presentations to your community, university, or conference. With deep expertise in the current state of evolution and climate change education, effective communication and teaching techniques, the history of anti-science efforts in the U.S., and more, an NCSE speaker can inform and inspire your community to improve how evolution and climate science are taught and communicated.
Speakers:
Amanda L. Townley
Executive Director, NCSE
Amanda L. Townley's research and work has centered on the intersections of science and society, specifically the acceptance and rejection of evolution and climate change, misconceptions and misuse of the nature of science in anti-science movements, and the impact of perceived conflicts between scientific understandings and culture on science literacy. Townley is also available to speak on science teacher preparation and K-12 science education.
Glenn Branch
Deputy Director, NCSE
Glenn Branch is available to speak on the history and current state of the campaigns against the teaching of evolution in the United States and doubt and denial as challenges to and in teaching climate change. He is also able to discuss creationism and the philosophy of science, creationism and the philosophy of religion, and various specialized topics (including trivia from the Scopes trial) on request.
Lin Andrews
Director of Teacher Support, NCSE
Lin Andrews helps teachers across the country teach evolution, climate change, and the nature of science effectively, even in the face of social controversy. She is available to speak about the challenges and opportunities facing science teachers, a topic to which she brings firsthand experience as a former high school teacher and curriculum developer in Kansas. She is also available to discuss NCSE's ongoing efforts to help science teachers, including a suite of misconception-based learning lesson plans.
Wendy Johnson
Science Education Specialist, NCSE
Wendy Johnson can speak about effective curriculum, assessment, and instructional practices to help students achieve in alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards. She is especially interested in fostering classroom discourse that uncovers students' misconceptions and engages their curiosity and the problem-solving that drives science. She taught high school science for 13 years and has done research on students' understanding of evolution, climate change, and the nature of science.
Blake Touchet
Science Education Specialist, NCSE
Blake Touchet can speak about challenges and opportunities facing science educators and administrators when teaching about evolution, climate change, and the nature of science; media and data literacy and their importance in resolving misconceptions, misinformation, and disinformation; curriculum and assessment development in relation to the NGSS; and research and recommended practices regarding science education.