About Chuck Brickman Expertise I can assist with questions about classroom management and discipline, practices and procedures, special education, lesson plan development, proactive teaching strategies, researched based teaching methodologies, instructional methods, integration of technology, standards based learning, mainstreaming, ADD, ADHD, IEPs, parent involvement, team teaching, staff issues and professional development.
Experience College, middle school and elementary school teacher. Certified teacher in special education and elementary comprehensive. Educational consultant.
Education/Credentials A.A. University of the State of New York
B.A. Indiana University
M.A. California State University
Awards and Honors Current candidate for National Board Certification in Exceptional Needs
Expert: Chuck Brickman Date: 7/19/2006 Subject: Religious Comments in Science Class
Question In my elementary science classes, I often get questions and comments relating to God. I have not yet found a good way to handle these situations. I usually just skirt around the issue. I feel that I could have an open discussion with older students, but am tongue-tied when it comes to the younger ones.
Answer Hi Melissa,
Thanks for the question. I get similar questions from 5th grade science students. I would recommend that first, check with your principal and get some guidance on how she wants you to address this issue. In some areas this is very touch and hotly debated. It is best to get some insight from admin.
I have gotten permission to present both sides - only when asked. As an example, when asked about the the "big bang theory" versus God creating the heavens and earth in 7 days I simply advise students that some people believe in the "big bang" and some people believe God created the earth as we know it. For me, the key is to avoid giving an opinion on the issue, just present facts.
