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Scientific theory has had a hard time in American public schools.
Nearly a hundred years ago, science teacher John Scopes was convicted of violating a Tennessee law prohibiting the teaching of evolution. Although he was not The conviction was overturned. On a technical issue in 1927Laws prohibiting classes based on Darwin's theory remained in effect for another forty years. The US Supreme Court ruled this decision unconstitutional. In 1968.
Over the past few decades, conservative or religious groups have objected to the inclusion of evolution in science classes. I tried a different approach.. now, They are arguing.If the “scientific” theory of evolution is taught, other views, such as “intelligent design” – an alternative to creationism – It should also be taught..
Expanding efforts
The approach is Not limited to developmentLegislatures across the country are proposing or passing laws that purport to encourage scientific discussion, but instead encourage students to treat established scientific theories as Equivalent to ideas that lack scientific study.
In 2012, lawmakers in Tennessee — the same state where the Scopes trial took place nearly a century ago — passed a law allowing for capital punishment for murder. Law obligating teachers “To present the 'scientific strengths and weaknesses of existing scientific theories.'” What constitutes scientific 'strengths' or 'weaknesses' is not specified.
Similar bills have been introduced in North Dakota in 2019 and Oklahoma in 2023If the bill passes in Oklahoma, teachers would be encouraged to explore scientific theories in the classroom and help students “analyze the strengths and weaknesses of particular science.”
And a New Law in West Virginia Allows teachers to discuss or answer “students’ questions about scientific theories.” The bill’s author, State Senator Amy GradyHe said the law aims to “encourage students to think, encourage students to ask questions, and encourage our teachers to be able to answer them.”
Future court battles
In my view, legislation dealing with the teaching of scientific theories is being used to influence what is taught in public schools. The law is likely to face legal challenge. More than twenty years ago, in Kitzmiller v. Dover, a federal court ruled that intelligent design is not science; it lacks empirical evidence and testable hypotheses. Teaching it would violate the First Amendment. Prohibition of state support for religion.
As a teacher – and as a teacher world from studies the nature of science – I think understanding scientific knowledge is very important; and scientific theories are part of this knowledge.
Accepted scientific theories are the best explanations available to date for how the world works. They have been rigorously tested and are supported by evidence, often drawn from a variety of fields. For example, evidence supporting evolution comes broadly from Fossils, DNA analysis, and comparison of the anatomy of different organisms..
Update theories
Scientific theories can be revised. They can be changed, or even discarded, but they are permanent. The history of science is a long history. full of stories About new evidence, reinterpretation of existing evidence, and advances in technology that drive changes in science. For example, the discovery of Microscope in the 16th century It literally changed the way scientists see the world.
Scientific theories have explanatory power regarding the natural world. For example, the Earth's gravity can be explained by General Theory of RelativityTheories also have predictive power. They can be used to generate research ideas. Summary by astrophysicist and author Neil DeGrasse Tyson“A well-constructed theory must explain some of what is not understood and, more importantly, predict previously unknown phenomena that can be tested. A successful theory is one in which experiments consistently confirm its predictions.”
Given these characteristics of scientific theories, the current body of legislation governing how theories are presented and taught in the classroom is troubling. These laws are based on the assumption that accepted scientific theories are nothing more than speculation.
Discuss the facts
For example, a Bill 2023 Montana law bans science teaching on “topics that do not constitute scientific fact.” The bill devalues scientific theories as unconfirmed guess or assumptionThis would undermine the inclusion of these ideas, as established ideas, in the K-12 curriculum. Atomic theory may be just a theory, but it is a fundamental element in people’s understanding of matter and forms the basis of all physical science.
Legislation that calls for the exploration, discussion, or analysis of theories in the classroom may conceal other intentions. For example, the sponsor of Senate Bill 140 in Oklahoma, He hopes the law “It will reveal the 'theoretical' side of evolution by allowing alternative viewpoints to be presented.”
Laws like the one passed in West Virginia go even further. They open the door to discussions about alternatives to scientific theories. This allows unscientific concepts to be introduced covertly. In an article for Scientific American, Amanda Townley, executive director of Scientists for Peace, said: National Center for Science Education, West Virginia law criticizedShe expressed concern, saying such laws open public classrooms to false beliefs such as that the Earth is flat or that crystals can heal.
Towards scientific literacy
In contrast to legislators who allow any kind of theory to be taught in science classes, experts like Fouad Abdel Khaleqa leading researcher in science education at the international level, calls for the need to teach students in primary, middle and secondary school. The characteristics of scientific theories were taught. In ways appropriate to development. American Standards for Science EducationFor example, suppose that by the end of 12th grade, students should understand that “a scientific theory is a supported explanation of some aspect of the natural world, based on a body of facts that have been repeatedly confirmed by observation and experiment.”
Students should be encouraged to think critically and ask questions—such as “What evidence supports this theory?” or “How has this theory been tested?”—with the caveat that any theories in question must have already achieved “scientific theory” status before they can be accepted into the curriculum.
Educational scientists say: Education from kindergarten through 12th grade should provide students with a “functional level of scientific literacy” that enables them to understand and make decisions about science-related issues in everyday life, from vaccines to cake bread.
Part of achieving this knowledge is understanding and trusting the knowledge that science produces, such as scientific facts, laws, and theories.
This article was republished from Conversationan independent, nonprofit news organization that brings you reliable facts and analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. This article was written by: Ryan Summers, University of North Dakota
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Ryan Summers receives funding from the National Science Foundation, ND EPSCoR, and the National Institutes of Health.
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