FROM MRS. VANDERZWAAG: Your children may excitedly have told you about our science studies of layers of rock and the fossils that can be found in them. We used the Pictured Rocks to base much of our inquiry on. As we dig into this exploration, we encounter views about the age of the earth (you may notice that on some worksheets that come home). While HC does not have an official “stance” on the age of the earth, per se, our approach to both science and the Bible is rooted in the Reformed conviction that God makes Himself known through His Word and His World. These two major forms of revelation will never truly conflict, though they also have largely different scopes. Out of respect for these different scopes, we are comfortable engaging God’s World through the process of making observations, collecting data, and building models (the processes of science). Our science curriculum engages general data that largely reflects significant process in the formation of the earth (though that doesn't necessarily exclude literal 6 day perspectives--ex: the idea that God created the world with the appearance of age, etc.). In our classroom, I make sure to preface our studies by alluding to the varying viewpoints that exist regarding this topic. I humbly acknowledge to the students that my human brain cannot understand God's processes and design. But I do know that God created this world, the layers of rock, and the fossils in them according to His perfect plan. Beyond that, I am grateful that our families are part of the church - home - school triangle. Each family may wish to continue this conversation at home, in conjunction with the views taught at their church. As our children grow, they will encounter data about the age of the earth in society (museums, books, documentaries), and they will need to be able to place that information into their beliefs. While we, as Christians, are not of this world, we do live in this world and continue to develop our understandings of how these viewpoints meet.
Our faith is integrated into everything we do. Our faith impacts how we do science by rooting all our scientific endeavors in the reality of our Creator God. When done this way, all genuine scientific observations and discoveries can lead us into deeper wonder, wisdom, and worship. Our Creator God is written all over our earth. He was there in the past, exists in the present, and also knows what will happen in the future.Thank you for continuing this conversation with your children at home.
KIDS HAVE RIGHTS - On Friday, Dec. 15. from 12:30-1:30, the Child's Advocacy Center will be sending a presenter over to talk to our class about the "rights" they have to keep themself safe. On Monday, a note will go home outlining their program. I fully support everything they teach. Nothing is inappropriate, nothing is controversial. They are simply teaching the kids how to keep themselves safe and who their safe adults are. There is no video content in the presentations they do at Rose Park. You are welcome to sit in the back of the room and listen in while they are here, if you desire. Please connect with me if you desire to do that.
No comments:
Post a Comment