Skip to content

Session 9: Science & Faith 🌟

Overview

Grades: 5-6 | Duration: 45 minutes | Session: 9 of 17

Students explore the complementary relationship between science and faith, examining how Catholic thinkers have contributed to both.

Session 9: Science & Faith

Learning Objectives

By the end of this session, students will:

  • Articulate the relationship between faith and science

  • Research Catholic contributions to science

  • Present findings on faith-science harmony

  • Counter the myth of faith-science conflict

Session 9: Science & Faith

Materials Needed

  • đź’» Research computers

  • đź“‹ Research guides

  • đź““ Engineering journals

  • 🖥️ Presentation tools

Catholic Integration

Theme

Faith and Reason — "Science can purify religion from error and superstition; religion can purify science from idolatry and false absolutes. Each can draw the other into a wider world." — St. John Paul II

Scripture

"For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made." — Romans 1:20

Opening Prayer

Dear God, you are the author of all truth—in faith and in science. Help us see how both reveal your wisdom. Give us minds eager to learn and hearts open to wonder. Amen.

Lesson Procedure

Opening Circle (8 minutes)

  1. The Big Question:
  2. "Do faith and science conflict?"
  3. Common myth vs. reality
  4. History tells a different story!
  5. Catholic Church & Science:
  6. Founded first universities
  7. Monks preserved ancient knowledge
  8. Priests made major discoveries
  9. Vatican Observatory (active today!)
  10. Key Concepts:
  11. Faith = Trusting revelation from God
  12. Reason = Using our minds to discover
  13. Both seek TRUTH — They complement each other!
  14. Science asks "How?" Faith asks "Why?"

Main Activity: Faith-Science Exploration (28 minutes)

Part 1: Research Investigation (15 minutes)

Research Options:

Option A: Catholic Scientists

  • Fr. Georges LemaĂ®tre — Big Bang Theory

  • Gregor Mendel — Genetics

  • Bl. Nicolas Steno — Geology founder

  • Maria Gaetana Agnesi — Mathematics

  • Br. Guy Consolmagno — Current Vatican astronomer

  • JĂ©rĂ´me Lejeune — Genetics

Option B: Church & Science History

  • Medieval monasteries preserving knowledge

  • Cathedral schools → Universities

  • Vatican Observatory history

  • Pontifical Academy of Sciences

  • Church support for hospitals and science

Option C: Philosophy of Science & Faith

  • How do they relate?

  • What questions does each answer?

  • Famous quotes on harmony

  • Modern Catholic scientists' views

Research Questions: 1. What did you discover? 2. How does this counter the "conflict" myth? 3. What surprised you most? 4. How can you share this truth?

Part 2: Create Presentation (10 minutes)

  • Choose format:
  • Poster/infographic
  • Digital presentation
  • Video script

  • Essay outline

  • Include evidence and sources

  • Prepare to present

Part 3: Share Findings (3 minutes)

  • Quick presentations

  • Key insights

  • Discussion

Engineering Journal (5 minutes)

  1. Topic researched: ___
  2. Key findings: ___
  3. Evidence that surprised you: ___
  4. Write: "Faith and science relate by..."
  5. Write: "I can share this truth by..."

Closing Circle (4 minutes)

  1. Key Insight — "What changed your thinking?"
  2. Sharing Truth — "How will you correct the myth if you hear it?"
  3. Closing Prayer — "God, thank you for minds that can explore your creation. Help us share the truth that faith and science work together. Amen."

Assessment

Observation Checklist:

  • Researched effectively

  • Found compelling evidence

  • Articulated faith-science relationship

  • Created quality presentation

Differentiation

For Students Who Need Support

  • Pre-selected resources

  • Partner research

  • Template for presentation

For Advanced Students

  • Multiple sources compared

  • Philosophical depth

  • Create resource for others

Wonder at Home 🏠

Family Activity: Discuss faith and science with family! Research Vatican Observatory online. Look up Catholic scientists. If someone says faith and science conflict, how would you respond? Visit a science museum together!

Teacher Notes

  • See Resources/Catholic_Scientists_Heritage.md

  • Timing near Catholic Schools Week

  • Powerful for students facing secular narratives

  • Connect to school mission

Previous: Session 8 — App Design
Next: Session 10 — Space Science