Question about evolution in schools

Sara - posted on 06/20/2011

As used in science, a theory is an explanation or model based on observation, experimentation, and reasoning, especially one that has been tested and confirmed as a general principle helping to explain and predict natural phenomena.

Any scientific theory must be based on a careful and rational examination of the facts. A clear distinction needs to be made between facts (things which can be observed and/or measured) and theories (explanations which correlate and interpret the facts.

A fact is something that is supported by unmistakeable evidence. For example, the Grand Canyon cuts through layers of different kinds of rock, such as the Coconino sandstone, Hermit shale, and Redwall limestone. These rock layers often contain fossils that are found only in certain layers. Those are the facts.

It is a fact is that fossil skulls have been found that are intermediate in appearance between humans and modern apes. It is a fact that fossils have been found that are clearly intermediate in appearance between dinosaurs and birds.

Facts may be interpreted in different ways by different individuals, but that doesn't change the facts themselves.

Sara - posted on 06/20/2011

I think it's an absolute shame that people have confused religious teachings and philosophies with fact or science and have tried to insert it in something that should remain secular, like our public schools. Creation is a THEORY, as in a non-scientific theoryf that has not been proven and can not be observed. Evolution is a theory in a scientific sense, which means that it has been proven, and can be observed. They are no where near the same, or on equal footing. I have talked to science teachers in public schools that say they are afraid to mention Evolution because some parents go nuts about it. Well, maybe those people should home-school or put their child in a non-secular school then, because IMO Evolution should absolutely be taught in public schools without question, and creation theory should be restricted to a religious studies course.



Sorry, but this is one of my personal pet-peeves. If you don't want your children to be properly educated, then that's your business, but don't punish everyone else because you believe something that has no place in a science classroom.

Lady Heather - posted on 06/20/2011

See, I don't think evolution itself is a theory. I think our understanding of it is the theory bit, but how could you not believe that things evolve? The flu virus does it every year for goodness sake.

We don't talk about it at elementary school either because it's just not really necessary to get into it with the level the kids are at, but it's definitely on the high school curriculum.

Heather - posted on 06/20/2011

I'm not a biology teacher, so I only know what she told me, or what the other teachers have discussed. At the elementary level, we just avoid any discussion of it. It's a really touchy subject. At the high school I know they really emphasize evolution being a "theory" only, not a fact and that many people believe in creationism. Most kids know what creationism is from home or church.

Chatty - posted on 06/20/2011

Is it just me or do half those contestants sound like twits?

Way to go Miss Indiana. Gah!

Lady Heather - posted on 06/20/2011

Another question - does it really take that long to teach Creationism? Can't you just read Genesis? I just think evolution is a whole lot more complex than that and would require more time just because there's more to talk about. Maybe I'm just totally ignorant of Christianity. I only have 9 years of a very liberal church and two vacation bible schools under my belt. haha.

Minnie - posted on 06/20/2011

I attended a Catholic college for a semester and even there evolution was the basis for our biology class. Our professor believed in intelligent design and evolution. And we definitely learned it in highschool, along with an old universe in earth science.

Lady Heather - posted on 06/20/2011

So do they teach Creationism in science classes?

This is most fascinating to me.

Heather - posted on 06/20/2011

Evolution is not explictly taught in our high school. When it is brought up, it is brought up as a theory and Creationism is given equal time. I teach in a public school.