These explorations are intended to expand your understanding of evolution, natural selection, and their impact on our lives. Use your favorite Internet search programs to roam around the World Wide Web and discover what other people who have interest in these subjects have said to explain and support their views. Seek out reliable, factual sources. Do not stop at just two or three. It is worth the extra time to thoroughly research these questions and get views on all sides of the issues.
Questions to Explore
1. Search the Internet for sites that discuss "creationism", "creation science", or "intelligent design". What groups or individuals promote this idea? Evaluate the logic behind this view of how species came to be. What arguments are used to dismiss or invalidate the idea of evolutionary change and natural selection? Are these sites representing the facts of evolution and natural selection accurately? Try to be objective--don't let your biases get in the way of understanding other perspectives.
2. Search the Internet for examples of recent biological evolution. Find evidence for species that have changed and how this has affected human life or how humans have affected the evolution of other species? (HINT: Look for Web sites that focus on endangered species or new medicines found in plants or animals.)
Help Getting Started
If you have not been satisfied with the search programs that you have used in the past, try one of the following. Each has its strengths and weaknesses. Unfortunately, none of them can link you to everything available on the Web today because of the rapid growth of sites and the way search engines selectively exclude certain kinds of sites.
Old Standby General
If you don't have success searching with these programs, take a look at the Related Internet Links section of this tutorial.
CAUTION: In doing your searches, keep in mind that not everything on the Web is accurate, current, or true. To help discover which sites can be trusted and which ones cannot, ask yourself the following questions:
1. Who are the authors of the site? What are their credentials? Are they experts? 2. Is the information current? When was the website created and last updated? 3. Do the facts presented in the site seem correct? 4. Is the purpose of the site to objectively inform and explain or to persuade and sell a particular perspective?
Copyright © 2000-2012 by Dennis O'Neil. All rights reserved.