Phase I

First read Ch. 4 of Darwin’s Origin of Species in the resource links provided. You may split the chapter up between you. As you read the chapter answer the following questions:

Ø     Does he offer any testable, observable proof of evolution other  than that many scientists say that it is true and that they have evidence?

Ø     Can the “evidence” he gives be explained any other way?

Ø     Does he offer any  “scientific evidence” that has since been disproved?

Ø     Does he express his concept of the cell? If he does is it accurate?

Ø     What mechanism does he suggest for producing new characteristics?

Ø     Is there any mechanism known today that can produce such new characteristics?

Phase II

Then choose three articles that review Darwin’s book during the time shortly after it was published from the resource links provided. Each of you should read an article in its entirety. As you read look for answers to as many of the following questions as you can find:

Ø     Does the author believe in evolution?

Ø  Does he believe the Bible?

Ø     Does he accurately represent the claims of scripture?

Ø     To what extent does he agree or disagree with the author? What problems does he point out?

Ø     What parts does he support?

Phase III

From the resource links provided choose an article or work produced three years or more after Darwin’s book was published. Answer the following questions as you read:

Ø     Does the author support or reject Darwin’s theories?

Ø  Does the author give any observable evidence to support Darwin’s theory?

Ø  How does the attitude toward Darwin’s work compare to the reviews published immediately after Darwin’s book was published?

Phase IV

Finally, each student should write a two-page essay on Darwin’s theory, how it was initially received, and how it was viewed after some years had passed. Include what you perceive as weaknesses or strong points of his theory.