This inquiry approaches the relationship between the Bible and the natural sciences using the theme of “wonder,” looking specifically at the “big questions” that emerge out of our sense of awe and curiosity with the natural world. It will also include important figures and events that preceded and followed that moment, ranging from ancient to contemporary times.
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About the inquiry
Compelling Question
How Have People of Faith Historically Impacted the Development of Science?
Staging Question
Students will participate in a group exercise to discuss how someone’s identity can either inhibit or compel that person to share their discoveries.
1
Supporting QuestionHow have people of faith impacted the study of the universe?
Formative TasksStudents will complete a “See? Think? Wonder?” graphic organizer.
SourcesSource A: Our Solar System (Interactive Website)
Source B: “Principia Philosophiae” by René Descartes (Artifact)
Source C: Book Minute: Galileo and the Bible (Video)
Source D: “Astronomy, Calendars, and the Date of Easter” (Article)
Source E: Newton’s “Principia,” Third Edition (Artifact)
Source F: Newton’s 3 Laws, with a bicycle (Video)
2
Supporting QuestionHow have people of faith impacted the study of humanity?
Formative TasksStudents will complete a “Know? Curious? Learned?” graphic organizer.
SourcesSource A: Imago Dei (Video)
Source B: Frederick Douglass Card (Artifact)
Source C1: On the Origin of Species by Charles Darwin (Artifact)
Source C2: “Darwin on the Origin of Species” by Asa Gray (Artifact)
Source C3: On the Genesis of Species by St. George Jackson Mivart (Artifact)
Source D: “Letter from Birmingham Jail” by Martin Luther King, Jr. (Artifact)
Source E: “Leader of the Human Genome Project Receives 2020 Templeton Prize” (Francis Collins Article)
3
Supporting QuestionHow have people of faith impacted the study of technology?
Formative TasksStudents will complete a timeline activity.
SourcesSource A: Alessandro Volta (Biography)
Source B: “Shedding Light on Lewis Latimer” (Article)
Source C: “Sister Mary Kenneth Keller (PhD, 1965): The first PhD in computer science in the US” (Article)
Source D: “No Longer Hidden: The Legacy of Dorothy Vaughan” (Article)
Source E: Buzz Aldrin’s Communion Chalice (Artifact)
Source F1: “Dr. Raymond Damadian, Creator of First MRI Scanner, Dies at 86” (Video)
Source F2: “Raymond, Damadian, Inventor of the MRI” (Article)
Summative Performance Task
Argument: Construct an argument (e.g., detailed outline, poster, essay, podcast) that answers the compelling question “How have people of faith historically impacted the development of science?” using specific claims and relevant evidence from sources while acknowledging competing views.
Extension: Option 1:
In this option, students will have the opportunity to decide which of their morals will impact their community.
Option 2:
In this option, students will have the opportunity to interview peers or research someone in their community who is creating or researching.
Taking Informed Action
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