2018 Workshop Talk | 57:15 | All Grade Levels, Science
Summary
Natural science teachers love to delight their students with natural wonders and see jaws drop. But as students get older, teachers feel pressure to increase rigor which can squeeze out room for wonder. But Einstein says that the state of mind which enables a man to do serious scientific work is akin to that of the religious worshiper or the lover—the effort comes straight from the heart. So how can a teacher teach science excellently and retain wonder? This workshop will explore how recovering natural history and the common arts provides the appropriate context for wonder and work in natural science. We will also discuss how teaching along the narrative of discovery in conversation with biblical thought can cultivate a wisdom which culminates in worship.
Speaker
Ravi Jain graduated from Davidson College with a BA and interests in physics, ancient Greek, and international political economy. He worked at various churches, received an MA from Reformed Theological Seminary, and later earned a graduate certificate in mathematics from the University of Central Florida. He began teaching calculus and physics at the Geneva School in 2003 where he has developed an integrated double period class called “The Scientific Revolution.” In this class the students read primary sources like Galileo and Newton in order to recapitulate the narrative of discovery while preserving the mathematical and scientific rigor expected of a college level treatment. During his tenure there he coauthored The Liberal Arts Tradition: A Philosophy of Christian Classical Education. He has given over 100 talks and workshops throughout the country and overseas on topics related to education, theology, mathematics, and science. He has two young boys, Judah and Xavier. After the duties of the week have been discharged (by 8:53 Saturday night), the few remaining hours he enjoys spending with family, friends, and his wife Kelley Anne, whom he met in Japan.
Additional Materials
The Association of Classical & Christian Schools presents Repairing the Ruins, the ACCS annual conference, copyright ACCS. You may make additional copies of this recording for use by your school but please do not sell any copies of the recording, or post it on the internet.
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