Theories and Evolution Solution

[SandBar]

Great discussion about should we teach evolution or novel notions. Isn't all of education about novel or boring notions? So much of science is a theory based on observable facts, then putting the facts together to explain an idea. What I learned in high school chemistry I thought was all factual truth only to discover in college and post grad chemistry, the truth or facts evolved, they changed as information grew.

The best education is one in which we teach critical thinking and discourse - to ask the questions about how do we know what we know and what do we really know. All information evolves just like our ideas and theories about evolution. The world did not come into being preformed about 5000 years ago - how could we account for fossils millions of years old? And is it possible that there was a 'planner' who helped set the evolutionary process in motion started with molecules?

Novel notions make education exciting to ponder ideas, possibilities and wonder. There's a quote - what was magic is now science.

Knowledge evolves because we look for answers to big and little questions.

From an educator who loves to teach

[Lenny]

I must ask: in the big picture, do you wish to train up good citizens, good workers, and those that desire to carry on what has been handed to them?
Or do you wish to raise up independent thinkers, critical of what will be their inheritance and birthright?
Just wondering. Oh, and this is a binomial answer, so try not to be too much in the middle. Either/or.

[MsTerry]

The Big Picture is WE DON'T KNOW
but we sure are having fun looking important and knowledgeable

I must ask: in the big picture, do you wish to train up good citizens, good workers, and those that desire to carry on what has been handed to them?
Or do you wish to raise up independent thinkers, critical of what will be their inheritance and birthright?
Just wondering. Oh, and this is a binomial answer, so try not to be too much in the middle. Either/or.

[Lenny]

The Big Picture is WE DON'T KNOW
but we sure are having fun looking important and knowledgeable

I recall reading about a guy that was executed by hemlock after teaching the young people of his town what could be described as "revolution". What was written about Socrates' dying speech should be reading for every high school student (and teacher). But those in charge would rather teach other materials. Maybe the contemporaries are correct as the classics don't make for smiley faces, but do help with The Big Picture.