Shaking the Foundation

Charles Darwin and the Theory of Evolution

  • Interest Level: Grade 6 - Grade 12
  • Reading Level: Grade 8

“I cannot think that the world, as we see it, is the result of chance; & yet I cannot look at each separate thing as the result of design.” English naturalist Charles Darwin wrote this in 1860, a year after publishing his theory of evolution. His words show the personal struggle of a man forced by his own observations to answer the fundamental question—Where do we come from?—in a revolutionary new way.

Darwin’s internal battle reflects a broader public struggle—the attempt to reconcile scientific fact with religious faith. Shaking the Foundation: Charles Darwin and the Theory of Evolution follows this battle, from the supporting theories of fellow scientists, to the opposing voices of clergymen, to twenty-first-century supporters of Intelligent Design. Through quotations from letters and other contemporary sources, you’ll meet the personalities and ideas involved in the debate. You’ll also examine some of the legal cases that brought evolution into the U.S. courtroom. These cases include the famous Scopes trial in 1925 and the Kitzmiller v. Dover Area School District case in 2005, which tested a school policy requiring the teaching of Intelligent Design. Through these and other debates, you’ll learn more about the struggle over one of life’s most profound questions.

Format Your Price Add
978-1-4677-1055-8
$37.99
Available at all major wholesalers and distributors. Save 25% off list price on hardcovers and ebooks when you buy direct! Digital purchases will be accessed on Lerner Digital Bookshelf. An account will be created for you after purchase.
Interest Level Grade 6 - Grade 12
Reading Level Grade 8
Genre Science, Young Adult
Copyright 2013
Publisher Lerner Publishing Group
Imprint Twenty-First Century Books ™
Language English
Number of Pages 88
Publication Date 2013-01-01
Reading Counts! Level 9.6
Text Type Informational/Explanatory
BISACS YAN006110, YAN050130, YAN050110
Dewey 576.8'2
Dimensions 7 x 10
Lexile 1070
Features Awards, Bibliography/further reading, Glossary, Index, Photo captions, Reviewed, Sidebars, Source notes, Table of contents, Teaching Guides, and eSource

Lerner eSource™ offers free digital teaching and learning resources, including Common Core State Standards (CCSS) teaching guides. These guides, created by classroom teachers, offer short lessons and writing exercises that give students specific instruction and practice using Common Core skills and strategies. Lerner eSource also provides additional resources including online activities, downloadable/printable graphic organizers, and additional educational materials that would also support Common Core instruction. Download, share, pin, print, and save as many of these free resources as you like!

Shaking the Foundation

“I cannot think that the world, as we see it, is the result of chance; & yet I cannot look at each separate thing as the result of design.” English naturalist Charles Darwin wrote this in 1860, a year after publishing his theory of evolution. His words show the… View available downloads →

Awards

  • Children's Book Committee at Bank Street College Best Children's Book of the Year, Winner, 2014

Reviews

Library Media Connection

“Johnson provides a balanced and well-researched book on a complex and controversial subject.” —Library Media Connection

School Library Journal

“This is a clear, forthright look at the startling conclusions drawn from a scientist’s research and the enormous ramifications of his conclusions. Well done, and well worth reading.” —School Library Journal

VOYA

“In a perfectly outlined text complete with historical facts, pictures, and informative sidebars, Darwin’s theory from its conception to its promotion are explored….This is a must-have in any library collection as its educational value cannot be denied. It is sure to provide an evolution in one’s own thinking regarding science and history, as well as encourage an appreciation and understanding for progressive thinkers such as Charles Darwin.” —VOYA

Booklist

“This book presents Darwin in the context of a scientific community and successfully clarifies his personal impact on a variety of philosophies and controversies now synonymous with his name.” —Booklist

BayViews

“Many important and fascinating primary source photos, illustrations, and diagrams, as well as interesting sidebars, add to the accessible and well-written text. In eight chapters, Johnson presents the information in a factual, informative style.” —BayViews

Kirkus Reviews

“A concise, informative overview of how Darwin’s theories of natural selection and evolution shook the foundations of religious beliefs and long-held scientific views….A finely crafted introduction to Darwin’s theories and the controversies they spawned.” —Kirkus Reviews