Summer Workshops for Teachers
BioLogy by the Sea Workshop for Science Teachers: Developmental Biology
San Diego • June 24-30, 2012
About BioLogy by the Sea
Middle school and high school science teachers are invited to apply for participation in a professional development program specifically designed for teachers from Christian Schools. Co-sponsored by Point Loma Nazarene University and The BioLogos Foundation, the program consists of two week-long workshops during the summers of 2012 and 2013 plus an interactive online component during the school year. The program gives participants the opportunity to work with and learn from experts in biology and theology.
- The first workshop will be in San Diego, CA, the week of June 24-30. The second workshop will be held the following summer in late June or July. Priority will be given to participants who can attend both years.
- Participants will receive complimentary room and board on Point Loma Nazarene University’s campus.
- In addition, participants will receive a stipend of $1,000.
- If desired, two units of graduate university credit will be given upon successful completion of the program.
- Travel expenses will be reimbursed, with prior approval, for those coming from outside Southern California.
To apply for this program, please complete the application by April 20, 2012. In addition, we ask for a letter of support from your principal to be emailed by April 20, 2012 to LeAnne Elizondo, .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). If you are selected, you will be notified by April 30, 2012.
This Year’s Topic
There is no area of biology that is growing more rapidly today or yielding more exciting results than the process of how a fertilized egg becomes a full-fledged adult. Teachers will study these recent exciting results in an inquiry-based learning format. These findings have interesting ramifications for how one views creation. The class will consider this in a manner that celebrates God as Creator and recognizes that Christians hold different views about how creation has actually taken place. Although BioLogos and Point Loma Nazarene University biology faculty hold the view that God created all of life through a gradual process over time, course faculty will respect the wide range of views held by Christians about Creation.
Point Loma Nazarene University, BioLogos, and BioLogy by the Sea
Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU) is a fully accredited evangelical institution in the Wesleyan tradition. The faculty are deeply committed Christians. All hold Ph.D.’s and most have post-doctoral research experience. Importantly, all have considerable teaching experience with Christian young people holding diverse viewpoints about how God created, be it gradually over a long period of time, or suddenly in six 24 hour days. Although the biology faculty hold to an old earth / gradual creation point of view and believe that there are not significant conflicts between mainstream science and biblical Christianity, they are respectful of all views.
The BioLogos Foundation was founded by one of America’s most noteworthy scientists, Dr. Francis Collins. Dr. Collins is well known in the scientific realm for his personal commitment to evangelical Christianity. Dr. Collins is now the Director of the National Institutes of Health, a White House appointment, which precludes his ongoing activity in BioLogos. However, his vision of showing that there is harmony between an evangelical faith and science is still the focus of The BioLogos Foundation.
The BioLogy by the Sea program exists for teachers to study developmental biology in the context of a Christian university. It is heavily grounded in worship and Bible study which celebrates creation and God as Creator. Regular worship services are led by PLNU’s worship leader and its Bible studies are led by a pastor who is also a faculty member of PLNU. Although the program teaches from an evolutionary creation point of view, participants from other perspectives are welcome and are encouraged to attend. As with all PLNU biology courses, individuals of all creation viewpoints are respected.
The program objectives are as follows:
- Deepen understanding of developmental biology
- Deepen/broaden theological base for science/faith integration
- Develop network of support (community) amongst Christian teachers of science
- Explore how we celebrate God as Creator
The BioLogos Foundation and Point Loma Nazarene University: What We Believe
We believe in the inspiration and authority of the Bible. We believe that God created the universe, and that God continues to providentially sustain the natural world. We believe that God is directly involved in human history, including the incarnation and resurrection of Jesus Christ as well as answers to prayer and acts of salvation and personal transformation. We also affirm the value of science, which eloquently describes the glory of God’s creation. We stand with a long tradition of Christians for whom faith and science are mutually hospitable, and we see no necessary conflict between the Bible and the findings of science.
Past Workshops
In 2010, BioLogos began hosting a summer workshop designed specifically for middle school and high school science teachers from Christian schools. The first two workshops, focused on developmental biology and biodiversity, have taken place at Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego, while future workshops will expand to other university campuses. Future workshops will also diversify the scientific topics covered.
Here’s what participants from the first cohort had to say:
“I am energized and excited about starting the school year…I especially enjoyed the labs and outdoor experiences that gave us variety in learning and a break from the intellectually stimulating and first class lectures.
-Mike Kirchner, Thousand Oaks, CA
“This course has been incredibly influential in my teaching. I will be using much of what I’ve been learning…to introduce various aspects of genetics to my Bioethics course.”
- Cynthia Armstrong, Watsonville, CA
“The agenda we are following through BioLogos has made me think a lot about my faith and has challenged me in many areas (all good).”
- Laura Paxson, Simi Valley, CA
If you are interested in attending or nominating a teacher to attend a workshop, please fill out, or have your nominee fill out, an application.