Science teachers from Queensland Open Brethren schools told to teach students about vegetarian dinosaurs on Noah’s Ark | Australian education

Teachers at a large Christian school in Queensland were told to teach creationism in science classes; This includes the idea that vegetarian baby dinosaurs will be taken to Noah’s Ark.

Last year, the Open Brethren organization Christian Community Ministries (CCM) hosted a Christian science conference organized by the US-based fundamentalist group Answers in Genesis, which once built a replica of Noah’s Ark (including model dinosaurs).

Some Queensland science and humanities teachers working at CCM Operates 15 schools across Australia – It was said that participation in the event was mandatory.

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The conference featured a presentation by Australian geologist Andrew Snelling, research director of Answers in Genesis.

Those who were there say Snelling told them that the radiometric dating techniques mainstream scientists used to show fossils and rocks were millions of years old were flawed. He said that the Himalayas were formed as a result of the “great flood” and that young vegetarian dinosaurs were on the ship.

Teachers say they were subsequently encouraged to incorporate Snelling’s materials into science and humanities classes.

Those who voiced their concerns to Guardian Australia made clear that they did not object to religious doctrine being taught in faith-based schools; Their concern was that schools had a responsibility to educate children according to the curriculum.

Faith-based schools in Queensland are required to teach the approved curriculum.

Queensland Science Teachers Association president Prof David Geelan said the science curriculum clearly introduces the theory of evolution to students from Grade 10 onwards.

“Students need to understand evolution as an explanation for the diversity of life and cite scientific evidence that supports the theory.

“A thoughtful and thoughtful teacher [at a faith-based school] might say: ‘In our church we believe in X, but for your evaluations you must demonstrate an understanding of the scientific theory currently developed.’ But I’m not sure that will always happen.”

‘Distrust in science’

Answers in Genesis is a “young earth creationist” group that challenges key aspects of consensus science and instead claims that scientific evidence supports the biblical creation story.

Last year, Guardian Australia reported that the US-based group, led by former Australian Christian Lobby chief Martyn Iles, had signaled an attack on Australia.

But Geelan said that to pursue the theory of creationism, “you have to be skeptical about the current body of scientific knowledge.”

“The answers in the book of Genesis say that scientists are lying to you… [and] This often occurs alongside other forms of science denialism. This distrust of science is the main negativity.”

Although schools are required to teach the curriculum, “there is no mechanism to control this,” Geelan said.

“They probably shouldn’t be teaching things that directly conflict with the curriculum.

“But there are no school inspectors running around. There is less compliance, the school has the autonomy to teach as it wishes.”

The Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority said in a statement that the state’s science curricula and resources “support the teaching of scientific theories, including the theory of evolution”.

“Queensland schools are developing courses of study and assessment based on the requirements in our curriculum and other advice and guidance.

“We have various checkpoints throughout the year to ensure these requirements are met.

“Principals are ultimately responsible for the quality and content of teaching and learning in their schools.”

Christian Community Ministries president John Lyndon said the organisation’s schools taught “all the requirements of the Australian curriculum”, including the theory of evolution.

“At the same time, as a Christian school, we also welcome the views of scholars and academics who work from a Bible-based worldview. This allows students to thoughtfully and objectively determine their own beliefs and develop a well-rounded understanding of life.”

Lyndon said Snelling was a “highly qualified and respected geologist” and that Guardian Australia had been given “inaccurate” and “ridiculous” information about the presentation.

“CCM schools are highly respected by our parents and school communities who consciously choose us to educate their children, fully aware that our schools offer a Christ-centered educational opportunity that is fully aligned with the Australian Curriculum.”

Snelling did not respond to a request for comment.

Answers in Genesis is hosting a series of events in Australia from the end of this month, including at Mueller College in north Brisbane, a school run by CCM.