Evolution: A journey into where we're from and where we're going

Evolution: A journey into where we're from and where we're going
Summary: "Four years in the making, EVOLUTION tells nothing less than the story of 3.6 billion years of life on Earth. An eight-hour PBS series and multimedia event, it is the most comprehensive effort of its kind ever devoted to Charles Darwin's revolutionary concept of life's origins and development. While the theory of evolution may be the cornerstone of modern biology, it is a topic steeped in controversy - from creationists relying on literal readings of the Bible to school boards overseeing science curricula. The series reveals how evolution is as relevant today as it was 150 years ago, when Darwin first expressed his ideas. EVOLUTION faced enormous production challenges in illustrating the centrality of evolution to our lives -- how it affects our choice of a mate, the food we eat, our health and bodies, even our sense of community. Another challenge was how to thoughtfully present the perceived conflict between religion and science. And perhaps the greatest challenge of all was combining the intellectual heft of rigorous science journalism with engaging, well-crafted storytelling. The first episode, 'Darwin's Dangerous Idea,' breaks new ground with a bold blend of period drama and contemporary documentary sequences. It dramatizes Darwin's life in five acts, each culminating in a core evolutionary question that launches a current documentary sequence. We follow Darwin on his Beagle voyage, accompany him through decades of groundbreaking research, grieve with him at the loss of his beloved daughter, Annie, and witness his struggle with his faith. This unique approach draws viewers into the drama of scientific discovery, and lays the groundwork for the controversy that exists today. The series goes on to meticulously examine the science of evolution in six more episodes. The seventh and final episode, entitled 'What About God'', explores the struggle between religious beliefs and scientific understanding as played out in America's homes, churches, and classrooms. In this verite' style film, we are introduced to the world of evangelical Christianity, and to people who have reconciled their knowledge of evolution with their religious faith. The series is accompanied by a rich array of educational initiatives -- on the Web, in print, and on video -- designed to extend its impact over the next decade. These materials encourage effective, scientifically accurate teaching and provide teachers with much needed resources that support national science standards. They already have made a significant impact: the teacher's guide alone is reaching 100,000 general educators and 30,000 high school biology teachers (and the 1 million students they teach annually); the Web site received more than 600,000 pageviews during its first week online. As one high school science teacher gratefully wrote, 'Thank you for boldly presenting such a tasteful and correct representation of our knowledge of evolution as it stands today' it lends credibility to our words. Your action was courageous and necessary for better educating the public and dispelling unnecessary fears.'"--2001 Peabody Awards entry form.

This is the companion website (http://www.pbs.org/evolution) for the series in self-contained format on CD-Rom. Sections include Darwin, Change, Extinction, Survival, Sex, Humans, Religion, plus a glossary, a library, and a section for teachers and students.

Corporate Producers: WGBH (Television station : Boston, Mass.) | Clear Blue Sky Productions | WGBH Educational Foundation

Broadcast Date: 2001