Help! I'm Being Taught Evolution In My Earth Science Class!

When evolution is taught as fact, not theory, it can be tough for anyone, especially kids, to know what to say to help refute it. For the biblically-minded teen, Help! I'm Being Taught Evolution in My Earth Science Class! by Dr. Kent Hovind approaches the topic in an informative, easy-to-read "e-mail exchange" format.

Jon is a ninth grader in a public school earth science class who contacts Dr. Hovind because he doesn't feel comfortable with all the talk about evolution in class, but isn't sure what to do about it. Dr. Hovind coaches Jon through his anxieties, and gives him tips on how to approach his teacher and engage the other students with an honest discussion about soundly-based science facts versus the "religious" evolution theory. Over the course of what is meant to be be several months, Dr. Hovind and Jon discuss topics from "The Big Bang" to the evolution of stars, the structure of the earth, fossil evidence, and the fallacy of carbon dating. Oh, and a certain girl in Jon's class who he's sweet on.

What I Like: This was a very easy to read book. The banter back and forth was nice--like Dr. Hovind gently teasing Jon about his friendliness with the girls' PE teacher. And the discussion seemed very honest, even if I do believe it was probably made up for the book. I really felt the techniques suggested, such as asking questions and being humble, were very appropriate not only for the age (when they're liable to be pompous and too self-assured), but also due to the fact that if your student wants to suggest contradictory theories to evolution, they're liable to meet resistance since many facets of evolution are "religious" rather than a scientific.

What I Dislike: While I love the format, I think the author recognized this was more of a stepping-stone to asking the right questions, rather than a be-all-and-end-all guidebook on all of the scientific evidence. Frequently, additional resources (by the author and others) are referenced and suggested for purchase. Not that there's anything bad with that, but it on certain pages it feels like you bought a sales pitch. But if this is not something that would turn you off, it is definitely a good tool to use in tandem with the multitude of resources that are suggested throughout the book.

Overall, this is a book more about technique on how to say things rather than what to say, although many suggestions are made for facts to bring to light in class.

Overall Rating: Very Good.

Age Appeal: 10 & up.

Publisher Info: Creation Science Evangelism, 2008; ISBN: 978-1-58468-032-1; Paperback, 46 pgs., $6.50

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