I’m looking for suggestions for science curriculum (K-6) that is not overtly YEC for a startup classical Christian school.
Some background: My husband and several people I know from church are on the board working to start a new classical Christian school. My husband and I plan to send our own young kids here at some point, so while I’m not directly on the board, I have a strong stake in this. I love almost everything about how this school is shaping up so far, but my one big concern is that they are leaning towards Apologia for the science curriculum. I have not personally seen the textbooks, but I have some pretty major reservations based on what I’ve seen on the Apologia website and discussion forums. The members of the board are open to discussing alternatives and hearing my concerns, so I am hoping I can find something better to suggest rather than just criticizing Apologia.
I am a scientist and I hold EC views, but I’m certainly in the minority among my social circle and church. Even my husband would consider himself a YEC, although he admits he hasn’t studied it much and doesn’t see how it really matters. I was raised in a firmly YEC homeschool family, and fully believed the AIG perspective that the entire Bible falls apart if you accept EC or even OEC. Honestly, I went to college intending to study biology and become the scientist that disproved evolution! So, I know the massive struggle the YEC foundation caused me when I was finally exposed to the real evidence. The false dichotomy I was taught very nearly cost me my faith. I’d like to avoid leading my kids, and the others that attend this school, down a path that will likely cause this same unnecessary struggle.
Truly secular curriculum is likely off the table, as they still want this taught from a God-centered perspective (e.g., giving God the glory for creation in the text). And convincing the entire board and potential student base of the validity of EC is certainly not happening before the curriculum is locked in (nor is this my goal). With all that in mind, my main objective is to find something that does not teach that the entire Christina faith is dependent on a YEC understanding of the Bible. Are there any K-6 science texts that approach science in a God-centered way without basically elevating YEC to a salvation issue? Perhaps by not focusing on origins much or by teaching that there are multiple valid perspectives on the topic among Christians?
Thanks for any suggestions you may have!