Teaching Science: Harmonizing Faith with Facts – David Rives (Homeschooling Every Subject)

“While science is trying to better understand creation, religion is trying to better understand the creator. You can't have design - the world around us - without a designer. And if we're being intellectually honest, we can admit that.” ~ David Rives

Yvette Hampton chats with David Rives, founder and CEO of the Wonders Center and Science Museum, about teaching science from a biblical perspective. David shares his journey from being homeschooled to leading one of the largest creation science ministries in the world. Discover how science and faith intersect as we explore topics like astrophotography, fossil hunting, and animal biology. Learn practical tips on how to homeschool science while integrating the truth of God’s Word, making science an exciting discovery of God's creation. children.

Recommended Resources:

David Rives Ministries

Wonders Center and Science Museum

Creation SuperStore

Genesis Science Network

21 Verses Backed by Science, by David Rives

Creation Club Print Magazine

Creation Club Online Magazine

Podcast Recommendations:

Homeschooling Every Subject Series

Homeschooling Through the Years Series

Schoolhouse Rocked Series and Topic Directory

Changing the Narrative Podcast

Ken Ham, of Answers in Genesis, on the Schoolhouse Rocked Podcast - Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3

Eric Hovind, of Creation Today, on the Schoolhouse Rocked Podcast

Thinking Dad Podcast

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Discussion Questions:

1. David's Journey into Science:

   • How did David Rives begin his journey into science and how did his childhood hobbies influence his career?

2. Biblical Perspective on Science:

   • Why does David Rives believe that teaching science from a biblical perspective is important for homeschooling families?

3. Role of Museums:

   • Discuss the significance of having science museums that teach from a biblical perspective. How do David's experiences with his museum differ from secular science museums?

4. Impact of Being Homeschooled:

   • How did being homeschooled influence David Rives' approach to science and his career? What can homeschooling parents learn from his experience?

5. Integrating Scripture:

   • How does David Rives integrate scripture with scientific knowledge in his teachings? Can you think of other Bible verses that might correlate with scientific facts?

6. Encouraging Scientific Curiosity:

   • What strategies did David’s parents use to nurture his scientific curiosity, and how can homeschooling parents apply these strategies in their own teaching?

7. Overcoming Educational Daunting Tasks:

   • David mentioned that he wasn’t the typical brightest or most dedicated student. How can this perspective reassure parents who might be struggling with their child’s education?

8. Scientific Concepts and Biblical Creation:

   • Discuss the scientific concept of DNA and how it supports the idea of each person being unique from the moment of conception, as mentioned by David.

9. Identity and Creationism:

   • How does the teaching of creationism and a biblical identity influence children’s understanding of their purpose and identity compared to teaching evolution?

10. Real-World Applications of Science:

    • What real-world applications of science did David Rives mention, and how do these applications reflect the glory of God's creation?

11. David Rives argues that science and faith are 100% consistent with each other. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Why?

12. How does David Rives differentiate between following science and following scientists? What implications does this differentiation have on scientific understanding?

13. David Rives speaks about the importance of defining terms, specifically "evolution." How can precise definitions impact debates on controversial scientific topics?

14. Discuss the example David Rives gives about Matthew Fontaine Maury finding "paths of the sea." What does this story illustrate about the relationship between scripture and scientific discovery?

15. Why is the discovery of soft tissue in dinosaur bones significant for the debate between creation and evolution? 

16. David Rives mentions that secular scientists have found over 200 examples of soft material in dinosaur bones. How should this information influence the interpretation of the fossil record?

17. Yvette Hampton talks about the importance of using a biblical worldview curriculum for teaching science. What are the benefits and potential downsides of this approach?

18. How does David Rives use paleontology and fossil discoveries to support his creationist views? Do these types of discoveries effectively challenge evolutionary theories?

19. Discuss Yvette's suggestion that using inappropriate science materials can lead children astray from a biblical perspective. How can parents ensure they are using the right resources?

20. David Rives and Yvette Hampton discuss the moral implications of evolutionary belief systems. How does belief in evolution versus creation influence concepts like morality and accountability?

21. What inspired David Rives to create the Wonders Center and Science Museum?

    • Explore David's motivations and the vision behind the museum's development.

22. How can homeschooling parents effectively teach science at different grade levels, according to David Rives?

    • Discuss the strategies and resources mentioned for educating elementary, middle, and high school students in science.

23. Why does David Rives emphasize teaching science from a biblical worldview?

    • Consider the reasons behind integrating faith with scientific education and its impact on students' understanding.

24. How can forensic science be integrated into a high school curriculum from a biblical perspective?

    • Examine the importance and approach of teaching forensic science with a biblical worldview, as mentioned by Yvette Hampton.

25. What are some of the recent discoveries in oceanography and genetics that point to the complexity and design of creation, according to David Rives?

    • Discuss the advancements in science that support the Biblical creation account and how they can be taught to students.

26. How does technology enhance our understanding of God's creation, and what role does it play in science education?

• Contemplate the benefits and potential of modern technology in exploring and appreciating the wonders of creation as described by David Rives.

Sponsors:

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The Schoolhouse Rocked Podcast is a member of the Biblical Family Network. Our mission is to support and encourage the family by providing the very best podcasts on family, discipleship, marriage, parenting, worldview, culture, and education, all from a Biblical perspective. Visit the website for more great shows, like the Thinking Dad, Culture Proof, Homeschool Insights, and Made2Homeschool.