Indiana College Biology Teachers Association
ICBTA is a group that is focused on bringing together college biology teachers in the state of Indiana for the purposes of learning about good pedagogical ideas and opportunities for increasing our knowledge of the field. We hold an annual meeting at which we invite an external speaker to lecture on a topic of their expertise. Our 2005 speaker was Dr. Patricia Bader, a medical geneticist from Fort Wayne. We also share and discuss other important issues at these meetings.
Our current President is Dr. Michael Finkler from IU-Kokomo.
Our secretary is Dr. David Kreps from Manchester College.
Our treasurer is Dr. Bruce Evans from Huntington University.
Our president-elect is Dr. David Benson from Marian College.
ANNUAL MEETING 2006
Friday, November 10:
6:00 – 7:00 Registration in Hunt Hall, IU Kokomo
7:00 – 8:00 Dinner
8:00 – 9:00 Guest Speaker: Dr. Martin Nickels, Anthropology, Illinois State University
“History, alternatives and angel food cake.”
Brief Summary: There are advantages in using history as a way to consider alternative explanations in teaching evolution. These advantages include the opportunity to illustrate some key aspects of the scientific way of knowing and a less confrontational, less threatening way for students to consider some of their own positions regarding the idea of evolution. Another advantage is to illustrate that there really is very little new under the anti-evolutionist's sun. Special focus will be given to Intelligent Design and why it is really something different compared to earlier forms of creationism.
Saturday, Nov. 11: “Teaching Evolution at the undergraduate level”
8:00 – 9:00 Registration / Continental Breakfast in Hunt Hall, IU Kokomo
9:00 – 10:00 Session One: Workshop: Martin Nickels, Illinois State University, “Humans as a case study of evolution”
10:00 – 11:00 Session Two “Best
methods of teaching evolution”
Robert Brodman and John Nichols, St. Joseph College
“Science and religion taking each other seriously”
Daryl R. Karns and Darrin Rubino, Hanover College
“The evolution of a curriculum”
Carmen Salsbury, Butler University
“Teaching evolution through debate”
11:00 – 12:00 Breakout Discussion Sessions
11:00 – 11:30 Small groups: “What techniques are you using when teaching evolution? How might you implement the ideas learned this weekend?”
11:30 – 12:00 Full Assembly Discussion / Summary
Moderated by David Benson, Marian College
12:00 – 1:00 Lunch & Business Meeting
1:00 – 2:00 Watch and discuss the Intelligent Design video “Unlocking the Mystery of Life” produced by Discovery Media.
The Indiana College Biology Teacher’s Association (ICBTA) is an organization consisting of biology faculty from throughout the state. Our mission is to support and enhance undergraduate learning in the biological sciences. All are welcome and encouraged to attend!
If you are planning to attend, please RSVP to Michael Finkler (telephone: 765-455-9244; email: mfinkler@iuk.edu) by Friday, November 3rd. Please do not hesitate to contact Dr. Finkler if you have further questions. We hope you will join us for what promises to be a lively and informative meeting!