Experts prepare secondary education leaders to share the intersectionality of faith and science in the classroom
WASHINGTON, July 14, 2023 — Museum of the Bible seeks to transform the way educators teach about the history of science and biblical thought to secondary students with their upcoming “Teaching Scripture and Science” educators conference July 28-29.
“Although faith and science have sometimes been made to appear in opposition, the reality is that they have often been complementary,” says Sandra Argo, Museum of the Bible’s Director of Education, posing the important follow-up question: “What if teaching the two in conversation with each other transformed how both are taught to secondary students?”
This conference aims to explore this question and others, delving into the Bible’s historic role in this time-tested relationship. Through hands-on learning and informative presentations by education specialists and scholars at this highly collaborative event, the conference will address six essential questions secondary school educators can meaningfully discuss with their students: How did it all begin? What keeps the universe running? How did life begin? What makes me human? What can we accomplish? How will it all end?
The two-day conference will feature the following esteemed speakers, among others:
Tania Anderson, Founder of Youth for Astronomy and Engineering, a STEM Local Initiative Program
Dr. Susan Benecchi, Senior Scientist at the Planetary Science Institute
Dr. Ted Davis, Professor of the History of Science at Messiah College
Dr. Deborah Haarsma, Astronomer and President of BioLogos
Gladys Kober, Data Analyst in Astronomy at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center
Dr. Lawrence Principe, Drew Professor of Humanities at Johns Hopkins University in Chemistry and History of Science and Technology
“Understanding how to navigate these educational conversations in a bold and compelling way is important,” said Chief Curatorial Officer Jeffrey Kloha. “Yet, reliability is arguably the most valuable key here. This is why we chose the specific academic leaders we did to speak at this event; these specialists are both academically credible and topically proficient.”
The ‘Teaching Scripture and Science’ conference, an integral opportunity for secondary educators of all backgrounds, will supply attendees with practical information to bring back to their own classrooms, opening doors for teacher and student conversations on a national scale.
“This is one of many public programs we are offering throughout the year that use our remarkable ‘Scripture and Science’ exhibition as a way to promote discussion about how these two important topics are so intricately interwoven,” said Director of Collections and Curation Dr. D. Anthony Schmidt. “We are thrilled to bring these partners together and for the opportunity to work with secondary school educators in tackling a topic many of them have struggled to communicate well to students.”
The brief conference schedule is as follows:
July 28: Night at the Museum (5:30-9:00 p.m.)
July 29: Conference Proceedings (9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.)
July 30: Free Admission to Museum for Conference Attendees (10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.)
Conference ticket prices are valued at $510; however, thanks to the support of grants from the John Templeton Foundation, Templeton Religion Trust and Blankemeyer Fund Foundation, Museum of the Bible is able to provide this conference to educators for $100 when attendees register using the special discount code: SSEDCON. The event is limited to 100 educators.
To learn more about the event, visit https://www.museumofthebible.org/events/teaching-scripture-and-science-educator-conference.
About Museum of the Bible
Museum of the Bible is a global, innovative, educational institution whose purpose is to invite all people to engage with the transformative power of the Bible. Making its grand opening to the public in November 2017, Museum of the Bible’s 430,000-square-foot building is located just three blocks from the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. Museum of the Bible aims to be among the most technologically advanced and engaging museums in the world. Showcasing rare and fascinating artifacts spanning 4,000 years of history, the museum offers visitors an immersive and personalized experience with the Bible and its ongoing impact on the world around us. For more information, visit museumoftheBible.org.
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