Abstract
Most teachers realize that textbook-centered instruction limits learning.Despite this knowledge, educational researcher Robert Yager reports that"over 90% of all science teachers use a textbook 95% of the time: hence,the textbook becomes the course outline, the framework, the parameters for thestudents' experience, testing, and a worldview of science." He furtherstates that "there is virtually no evidence of science being learned bydirect experience" (p. 578, 1983). [1] This apparent mismatch betweeneducators' realizations and their use of textbooks sounds a clear call forchange. Thus, attempting to increase learning, some educators apply a hands-onand minds-on approach through learning activities and laboratory experiences.While this may increase learning, it does not address the question of whatis worth learning. It is our contention that studying God's creationthrough a well-planned field trip can lead toward the much needed change whichwill answer this question. This shift in focus would be toward aChrist-centered creationist perspective rather than a "worldview ofscience." [2] Since the natural mind is "always learning but neverable to come to the knowledge of the truth" (II Timothy 3:7) hands-on,minds-on learning is incomplete. The authors believe that coming to theknowledge of the truth involves a third component which we will call"hearts-on." [3,ii]