Author: Amanda McGarrigle

Year 6 Term 1—CREATION/FALL
Creation and Science : conflicting or complementary?

Background Information
Christians read the Bible as telling a story of the relationship between God the Creator and creation.
There is much debate and some controversy around the relationship between the accounts of creation in Genesis and contemporary scientific accounts.
These debates and controversies relate to the purpose and interpretation of the texts : for example, does reading Genesis as a poetic account conflict with scientific accounts?
There are many scientists through history and now who are Christians. The discoveries of science make Christians wonder even more about the power and majesty of the Creator.

Genesis 1:1–2:3
A scientific account of cosmology (the beginning of the universe) and of evolution (the development of living beings) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nYkdDniQJyw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WEgp2_Rcc80 (Genesis—Creation of the world music)

In this unit the children will…
Outline the importance of Creation on the timeline of the ‘big story’ of the Bible.
Identify what type of text some Christians say Genesis 1 is, and its purpose.
Taking account of the context, suggest what Genesis 1 might mean, and compare their ideas with ways in which Christians interpret it, showing awareness of different interpretations.
Make clear connections between Genesis 1 and Christian belief about God as Creator.
Show understanding of why many Christians find science and faith go together.
Identify key ideas arising from their study of Genesis 1 and comment on how far these are helpful or inspiring, justifying their responses.
Weigh up how far the Genesis 1 creation narrative is in conflict, or is complementary, with a scientific account.

By the end of this unit….
All children can:
Outline the importance of Creation on the timeline of the ‘big story’ of the Bible. (T)
Identify what type of text some Christians say Genesis 1 is, and its purpose. (T)
Make clear connections between Genesis 1 and Christian belief about God as Creator. (I)
Most children will:
Taking account of the context, suggest what Genesis 1 might mean, and compare their ideas with ways in which Christians interpret it, showing awareness of different interpretations. (T)
Show understanding of why many Christians find science and faith go together. (I)
Some children will:
Identify key ideas arising from their study of Genesis 1 and comment on how far these are helpful or inspiring, justifying their responses. (C)
Weigh up how far the Genesis 1 creation narrative is in conflict, or is complementary, with a scientific account. (C)

The universe and human life are God’s good creation. Humans are made in the image of God.

Read Genesis 1:1–2:3 and pupils draw the events as they occur. Write 7 key words and a brief explanation.
Look at ‘The Message’ (R1)
Introduce pupils to a scientific account of cosmology and of evolution (R2)
Genesis 1 v’s Scientific account (R3)
Look at some artistic responses to God and Creation.
Pupils need to know that there are many Christians who are scientists.(R4)
Identify the main ideas they have learned about Christian beliefs about God as Creator. (R5)
‘Genesis explores why the universe and life exists. Science explores how the universe works the way it does.’ Discuss how far pupils agree or disagree, and why.

Key Vocabulary
Conflicting - a disagreement or argument about something important.
Complementary - something that completes something else as when two things go well together .
The Big Bang - a scientific model that describes how the universe began with a giant blast of matter and energy about 14 billion years ago. Right after the explosion our universe began to cool and expand, and eventually atoms, stars, galaxies and solar systems formed.
(UE—Understanding Christianity RE Syllabus)