The Florida state school board is set to vote on new standards for teaching the theory of evolution in its schools.
One of the big revisions centers on using the word "evolution" itself, WESH 2 News reported.
At issue is a proposed change in the science curriculum that would require Florida public school teachers to teach Charles Darwin's theory of evolution -- that man evolved from primitive life forms over millions of years.
Local teacher Richard Ellenburg of the Florida Department of Education helped write the change.
"I'm responsible for the children of Florida and for them to become high achievers and for them to compete globally, and I believe and my committee believes that this is definitely the only step that we should be taking at this time," Ellenburg said.
Darwin's theories are already taught, but without the word "evolution."
Supporters of intelligent design, or creationism -- theories that some higher being created man -- call the proposed changes offensive.
"There is nothing about this language that is going to make Florida smarter or make kids have better education," John Stemberger of the Florida Family Policy Council said.
At a jammed final public hearing before the state votes on the matter, opinions were strong on both sides of the aisle.
"Please, I beg of you, do not put evolution in there as a fact as to how everything was formed and made on this Earth," Joanne Wilson said.
"Putting doubt into the theory of evolution is a backdoor way of introducing religious concept into science and I strongly oppose that," Faye Armitage said.
Those opposing the change in the science curriculum were especially critical Monday of the state board of education for not sending any commissioners to this public hearing.
The Board of education votes on the recommendation from the science committee on Feb. 19.
They should teach a class where philosophy, religion, and metaphysical theories are presented for the students to analyze on their own.
thecreator
quote:
Originally posted by Krypton
They should teach a class where philosophy, religion, and metaphysical theories are presented for the students to analyze on their own.
I agree with my mate, I think if equally explored then there is no issue at all. I think children of today are mature enough to observe said teachings with an analytically inclined frame of minnd.
pkcRAISTLIN
christ, you just know any private organisation with the word "family" in it is going to suck.
quote:
Originally posted by Krypton
They should teach a class where philosophy, religion, and metaphysical theories are presented for the students to analyze on their own.
really, why? what do they really have to discuss - they only propose one single sentence "god did it". good luck "analysing" that.
philosophy (at least in Oz) isn't really taught until university anyway, why not wait until then when students are free to select that as part of their curriculum?
Capitalizt
I'm personally offended that my religion is not included in these lessons..
I encourage you all to open your mind and take a look at it: Church of the FSM
Why? Because god, metaphysics, and religion don't belong in a science classroom. Science is only concerned with how the universe operates. It is not concerned with why the universe is or the human relationship to the creation/(perceived creator). It would therefore be helpful to learn about philosphy, logic, and religion to broaden one's mind. "God" is something which can't be confined to a test tube.
The most important purpose of having such a class is to satisfy those who want creationism taught in the science class. It's a great legal remedy to the issue. A moderate stance is best here...
quote:
what do they really have to discuss - they only propose one single sentence "god did it". good luck "analysing" that.
There are PLENTY of things to talk about. How about morality and ethics? Where did they come from? What is their purpose? Are they absolute or relative? Students should also know about logical fallacies so each one can be critical thinkers of the media, sciences, etc.
quote:
philosophy (at least in Oz) isn't really taught until university anyway, why not wait until then when students are free to select that as part of their curriculum?
It should be an elective in high school in my opinion because it's that important. Remember, these "non-scientific" subjects would be taught in an objective manner giving the student the ability to develop his/her own worldview independently.
Zild
quote:
Originally posted by Krypton
They should teach a class where philosophy, religion, and metaphysical theories are presented for the students to analyze on their own.
No we should just bring our mathematics up to par with the rest of the world.
Krypton
quote:
Originally posted by Zild
No we should just bring our mathematics up to par with the rest of the world.
Of course, but math is not an elective.
pkcRAISTLIN
quote:
Originally posted by Krypton
Why? Because god, metaphysics, and religion don't belong in a science classroom.
Yeah, well what I was questioning was religion's place in the classroom at all ;) people can go to church to learn about the gospels if they really must.
quote:
Originally posted by Krypton
The most important purpose of having such a class is to satisfy those who want creationism taught in the science class. It's a great legal remedy to the issue. A moderate stance is best here...
so appeasing those that hold unsubstantiated superstitious beliefs is a good thing? i think not.
quote:
Originally posted by Krypton
There are PLENTY of things to talk about. How about morality and ethics? Where did they come from? What is their purpose? Are they absolute or relative? Students should also know about logical fallacies so each one can be critical thinkers of the media, sciences, etc.
And what is going to be removed to include philosophy in the curriculum?
quote:
Originally posted by Krypton
It should be an elective in high school in my opinion because it's that important.
students that are that interested in philosophy go onto tertiary studies in that discipline. i cant see many 16 year olds getting enthused over discussions re existence or truth. i know i struggled in first year to see the point of it all.
quote:
Originally posted by Krypton
Remember, these "non-scientific" subjects would be taught in an objective manner giving the student the ability to develop his/her own worldview independently.
oh, just the way evolution is being so "objectively" taught (avoided) in the US today?
in any case, being more specific, i dont see why creationism should be taught in ANY classroom, unless there are also schools for tarot readings, astrology, tea leaves etc.
Lebezniatnikov
quote:
Originally posted by Krypton
They should teach a class where philosophy, religion, and metaphysical theories are presented for the students to analyze on their own.
I went to public high school and we had a class for precisely that. But that wouldn't temper the demand for an evolution-free curriculum.
Zild
quote:
Originally posted by Krypton
Of course, but math is not an elective.
Yeah but we should fix our basics before we look to electives.
pkcRAISTLIN
quote:
Originally posted by Zild
Yeah but we should fix our basics before we look to electives.
exactly.
the meaning of life is completely irrelevant if someone cant work out how much change johnny should get from going to the shop for a carton of milk.
