Inherit the Wind Research Center: Home

Part One

The first part of this assignment is to be completed individually. Please write a 250-400 word summary of your research findings. This summary should respond to the directions given above under each category and should include information from at least 3 sources. (Please note: Wikipedia is not an acceptable source.) Your summary should contain citations and a Works Cited page.

Part Two

The second part of this assignment is to be completed as a group. Your group will film and produce a short film that helps present the information you researched in a creative manner. These presentations may be in the form of a documentary, a commercial, a newscast, a “60 Minutes” or “Dateline” interview, a public service announcement, etc. The presentation should contain all of the relevant information related to your research. All group members should have a role in the writing and acting portions of this presentation. This film should be at least 5-6 minutes in length. After each presentation there will be time allotted for a question and answer (Q&A) session.

Welcome to the Inherit the Wind Research Center

The man who has everything figured out is probably a fool.
College examinations notwithstanding, it takes a very smart fella to say
“I don’t know the answer!”
-- Inherit the Wind

• Find your answers by researching your topic. Click on your group tab above to find great resources to your questions.
• Then, write about your findings and cite your sources using MLA.
• Finally, check out the video tips tab to create your group's video.

From The Granger Collection.

     In preparation for reading Inherit the Wind, you will be researching and presenting relevant background information regarding the Scopes Trial. You and your group members will focus on a particular aspect of the trial and issues surrounding it.

• Major Players in the Scopes Trial (3 people) (Clarence Darrow, Williams Jennings Bryan, John Scopes)--- This group should focus not only on the basic biographies of these individuals but also on what motivated them to become major players in this case and why.
• Key Arguments for the Prosecution (4 people) This group should focus on the main arguments put forth by the prosecution in this case. Why did they believe Scopes should be found guilty? In addition, this group should present the key anti-evolution arguments put forth during this time.
• Key Arguments for the Defense (4 people) This group should focus on the main arguments put forth by the defense in this case. Why did they believe Scopes should be acquitted? In addition, this group should present the key pro-evolution arguments put forth during this time.
• Current Controversies (4 people) This group should focus on current controversies in teaching evolution in schools. What are some recent examples of struggles over the teaching of evolution in school and how have they been resolved? Are there any unresolved or brewing controversies?