Struggles in science [Evolution education in Arizona]

The Arizona Republic ^ | 02 May 2004 | Pat Kossan

[PatrickHenry]

Teaching science is back on the classroom agenda, and along with it comes the debate over teaching the theory of evolution.

Scientists say it is not the kind of argument Arizona should be engaging in if it wants to attract national attention as a hub of biotechnology research.

[PatrickHenry]

Yet another state joins the debate.

[PatrickHenry]

PING. [This list is for the evolution side of evolution threads, and some other science topics like cosmology. Long-time list members get all pings, but can request evo-only status. New additions will be evo-only, but can request all pings. FReepmail me to be added or dropped. Specify all pings or you'll get evo-pings only.]

[VadeRetro]

Singling out evolution as a theory that needs to be questioned and refuted is not only unnecessary but "sneaking creationism in by stealth and effectively dumbing down the standards," Maienschein said.

Somebody there gets it.

[VadeRetro]

Bethany Lewis ... wants Arizona teachers to be directed to "test, modify or refute the evolution theory."

... And somebody there is making a point of not getting it. What has not been done, Arizona science teachers should not present as done.

[Dimensio]

But revisiting the standards has reopened the controversy over how to teach evolution without stepping on beliefs that God, or even several Gods, created the world and human beings.

Yes, because science should be supressed if it might hurt someone's feelings.

[Alamo-Girl]

Thanks for the ping!

[PropheticZero]

The standards have been rewritten to address Crow's concerns, but some scientists still fear the standards are too vague.

Don't get to detailed right off the bat. The kids might see the B.S. behind the smoke screen. The might even start asking probing questions ...gasp.

Start small and once you have them believe the core propaganda then you can start feeding them little detail morsels.

[Victoria Delsoul]

Longreed calls science "observation," which he teaches in the classroom, and his faith "all assumption," which he "tiptoes around" when teaching. As for his personal peace, Longreed said he has found a balance between the two, having faith in The Holy People but also having faith in antibiotics, which the theory of evolution helped to produce.

Same here, I found a balance between the two. Thanks for the ping, Patrick.

[PatrickHenry]

I found a balance between the two.

Me too. They do different things, use different techniques; and don't conflict at all, when properly understood. Or so it seems to me.

[Victoria Delsoul]

I totally agree with you, Patrick. Maybe, that's why we get along so well.

[PatrickHenry]

I totally agree with you, Patrick.

Better not say that too much. You'll attract attention from some very dubious characters around here.

[Victoria Delsoul]

Better not say that too much. You'll attract attention from some very dubious characters around here.

Let thy light shine down on the dubious. As long as we agree… the world needs less discord and more agreement. What do you think?

[PatrickHenry]

What do you think?

Well, I'm trying. Good to have you along.

[js1138]

If these guys don't stop it I'll have to read them some of my poetry.

[O.C. - Old Cracker]

Sacred cow gettin' gored?

[RightWingAtheist]

Arizona standards teach that all science is theory, that scientific theories change as we learn more, and that they should always be questioned and challenged in order to make advances.

Jeez, sounds like the Kuhnians are marching hand-in-hand with the IDiots.

[RightWingAtheist]

"Ode to Small Lump of Green Putty Found in My Armpit?"

[O.C. - Old Cracker]

Can't have it both ways, Atheist. I assume your pet theories have remained unshaken, planted firmly in some petrified forest?

[js1138]

I can do worse than that.

[Dimensio]

I think that I'm gonna sit this one out, and dedicate the next 20 hours to a worthy cause.