This morning, the Florida State Board of Education voted 4-3 in favor of adopting science teaching standards (pdf) that include the word "evolution" for the first time.
However, the Board also approved a last-minute "compromise" to insert the phrase "scientific theory of" in front of evolution and other scientific explanations, including plate tectonics, gravity, and electromagnetism.
Thankfully, the standards thorougly explain the meaning of the word "theory" in science and describe how it differs from the word's everyday usage. Here are a few snippets from various grade level standards:
3rd Grade:
-The terms that describe examples of scientific knowledge, for example; "theory," "law," "hypothesis" and "model" have very specific meanings and functions within science.
6th grade:
-Recognize and explain that a scientific theory is a well-supported and widely accepted explanation of nature and is not simply a claim posed by an individual. Thus, the use of the term theory in science is very different than how it is used in everyday life.
-Identify that a scientific theory is an explanation of nature supported by evidence.
9th-12th grade:
-Explain that a scientific theory is the culmination of many scientific investigations drawing together all the current evidence concerning a substantial range of phenomena; thus, a scientific theory represents the most powerful explanation scientists have to offer.
-Recognize that a scientific theory is developed by repeated investigations of many scientists and agreement on the likely explanation.
-The terms that describe examples of scientific knowledge, for example; "theory," "law," "hypothesis" and "model" have very specific meanings and functions within science.
6th grade:
-Recognize and explain that a scientific theory is a well-supported and widely accepted explanation of nature and is not simply a claim posed by an individual. Thus, the use of the term theory in science is very different than how it is used in everyday life.
-Identify that a scientific theory is an explanation of nature supported by evidence.
9th-12th grade:
-Explain that a scientific theory is the culmination of many scientific investigations drawing together all the current evidence concerning a substantial range of phenomena; thus, a scientific theory represents the most powerful explanation scientists have to offer.
-Recognize that a scientific theory is developed by repeated investigations of many scientists and agreement on the likely explanation.
The lasting effect of the change remains to be seen, but I am optimistic that the so-called "compromise" could turn out to be a resounding victory for supporters of REAL science.
As I noted in an earlier post, in their misguided attempts to denigrate evolution by calling it a "theory," the opponents of evolution have actually assigned to it a level of significance that few other scientific ideas ever achieve.
Ironically, this is like arguing that an Olympian should be disqualified for the offense of finishing in first place.
So go ahead Florida, teach evolution as a well-substantiated, well-supported, and well-documented explanation.
We appreciate your support for REAL science.
Just don't expect to get the gold medal back.
So go ahead Florida, teach evolution as a well-substantiated, well-supported, and well-documented explanation.
We appreciate your support for REAL science.
Just don't expect to get the gold medal back.
Although I remain optimistic, I can't help but worry that the "gold medal" that Florida just awarded to evolution may actually be made out of lead.
Consider the following headline from Reuters:
"Florida will teach evolution but only as theory"
Clearly, supporters of REAL science may have won this leg of the race, but we have a long way to go.
posted by Jeremy Mohn
