Opinion response exercise

Should evolution be taught in science classes in all public schools?

 This opinion response survey will be due next Thursday (Nov 14) by classtime. This date has been pushed back from the original date of November 12^th.

 Please read through the directions first before starting to read the opinions (if you haven't already in past assignments). Please remember that your "critique" should be formatted in your email as follows (but replace the "#" symbol with actual numbers).

best,#,#,#

new idea,#,#,#

If your name begins with the letters A to D, please read responses 1 to 12

If your name begins with the letters E to K, please read responses 13 to 24

If your name begins with the letters L to N, please read responses 25 to 36

If your name begins with the letters O to Z, please read responses 37 to 47

 The order of the opinions is according to the order in which they were received.

You are welcome, of course, to read responses outside your own set if you have time and interest.

If you do not see your response below, do not panic, but please do let me know.

1. I believe evolution should be taught in all public schools because look at the other things we learn in school. They talk about sexual intercourse, racism, murder and many other issues so why not give more than one perspective on where humans came from. Regardless if its taught in school students will ask questions on it because of outside knowledge and censoring what is taught is a disadvantage to the student because there knowledge is centered around specific information. It's just like religion in some cases because it is manipulated out of the history books but not fully. ur history is based on religion and students still ask questions about it in school and the teachers are to worry some to speak in fear of loosing there jobs.

2. Should evolution be taught in schools? It is a very controversial issue and one that requires much thought. Having been raised a christian myself, I have always been taught that God created the Earth and everything on it. However, I think that by studying evolution, we are able to combine the two theories. Say that God created what's on the earth. Who's to say that each biblical "day" was a mere 24 hours? If each "day" is actually represented by millions of years, it is possible that God originally placed a single microorganism on a large pile of rock and that he allowed the organism to evolve and keep evolving in many different directions. A pot is not made in one motion, it starts as a lump of clay and is molded by a creator over time. This is the theory that I have come to acquire because I have been presented with the theories of evolution and christianity. People should have the option to make up their own minds and by excluding certain teachings from the school system, children will be raised ignorant and without the ability to formulate their own ideas and theories as I have been able to do.

3. Evolution has always been a contended concept. There are those that think the world was created by some almight being in the snap of a finger. On the other end of the spectrum are those that believe that life evolved, without outside help, from a mixture of chemicals to humans. To some, mitigated evolution (or evolution that is guided by a greater force) is their choice belief. I believe that it is nessacary for everyone to be given a choice about what they believe. Evolution, in all it's scientific glory, MUST be taught, allowing everyone to base their own beliefs on science and their own backgrounds, not being left in the dust be being ignorant of basic scientific fact.

4. I definitely feel that evolution should be taught in science classes in public schools to an extent. It cannot hurt to learn as much science as one can. And since the question of how humans evolved is so vast, I think it is important to view all possiblities and answers to this question, scientific or not. People do not necessarily have to belive in the science of evolution, but to have some knowledge of it can only benefit people in making them smarter. Also the more people who learn and develop an interest about evolution may further explore it as a career choice. Thus allowing for further research and scientific knowledge to be found that may help further explain evolution.

5. Evolution should and is being taught in schools. I've always learned the evolution theory and not the creation theory. I think that if parochial schools want to teach only creation than that is up to them because it is a private institution, however, for any public school they should teach evolution. I think that too many questions would go unanswered if evolution was not taught because the creation theory doens't cover all aspects of the history of the earth and the universe. I don't think that evolution replaces creation or relgion, rather I think that it clarifies what happend in the world - that doesn't mean that there is or is not a God.

6. I think that evolution, without a doubt, needs to be taught in public schools. I think that there is too much evidence in favor of it to ignore it, or to say that it is completely invalid. Just as the theory of plate techtonics is taught to explain the shift of the continents, the theory of evolution should be taught as one theory of the origin of man. The fact that evolution is, indeed, a THEORY should be stressed, just as when teaching religions, so as not to offend any particular beliefs. Evolution is too important not to be included in science class discussions. Only by educating people of its flaws and validness can it further be examined and possibly later proved or disproved.

7. I believe that evolution should be taught in science classrooms in all public schools. Evolution is a major theory that that the well-known scientist, Charles Darwin wrote about in the Origin of Species. I think the topic should be covered but not preached upon. I think it should be left open for students to decide their own beliefs and thoughts based on their religion and values. I think students should be able to learn about it and know that this is a possibility of where humans came from, while at the same time forming their own opinions and sharing their own thoughts.

8. I definitely believe in teaching evolution in public schools. In our school there was quite a bit of controversy when a science teacher put a bumper sticker on her door that read, "If they outlaw teaching evolution, only outlaws will evolve." I kind of agree with this. Even though it disagrees with religions like Christianity, it is a proven fact, and if it a proven fact, there should be no reason to stop teaching it in public schools. Evolution exists today. It is happening as we speak and if people have a problem with teaching the truth, then they should home school their children with the lies that they believe.

9. Biology should be taught in public schools if the school wants to but it should not be required. There has been much debate over this subject because of religion. Ever since the Scopes trial, and people realized that we can usually say what we want in this country, most schools, if not all, do teach biology. After all it is public school, if parents do not want their kids to learn about it then they can send them to a private school. There should be no problem with this subject but since we have choices we should let the school decide if biology is in their curriculum.

10. This is an excellent opinion question because it is one that has been a great issue in the world of science education for centuries. Years ago, many people did not believe in the science of evolution and the topic was thus not discussed in educational environments. In today's classes, I believe that evolution should very much be discussed because it is the issue that scientists are concerned with today. What we learn about is the most up-to-date information that scientists have researched and this included the idea of evolution. While this theory may not be correct or hold falsities that we will learn about in the future, it is the most accurate and current information that we have today and should therefore be in school curriculae. Why not teach evolution as a possible beginning and gradual change in all life forms? For religious reasons, people do not believe in teaching the thoughts of God and such, and for good reason. If there is a religious course, that is where it should be taught and it is mandatory that the course be optional. Perhaps some peopl believe that for the very same reason, science courses should be optional, especially those that teach the theory of evolution. As this piece is voicing my opinion, I do not beleive that science should be optional and that evolution should be an integral part of the learning process!

11. I do think that evolution should be taught in all public high school science classes. Evolution is such a large part of theories that are used today, and students should be informed in the field of evolution. Along with teaching evolution, schools should also teach other theories of science such as creationism and the "bubble theory". A sound background in science is nessary for all students. Many of the ideas that are taught in high schools are only theories, which aren't proven fact. If other theories are taught in schools, the evolution theory shouldn't be excluded.

12. I don’t really see any reason why evolution shouldn’t be taught in science classes in all public schools. It is a very important idea about our past and our origin, so I believe that it is important for everyone to get at least a taste of it, even though everyone may not necessarily agree with it. I think it is a good idea to let people know one of the ideas of where we came from.

13. Growing up I attended both public and Catholic schools therefore the controversy of evolution came up in my education. In school I observed that for the most part, because most individuals (despite religious beliefs) accept the notion of evolution. Therefore, what was most frequently explained in science classes was the fact that there were higher powers contributing to the creation of the world and the way in which it works, but at the same time natural occurrences (such as evolution) affected the earth. This combination was said to be the outcome of today’s world. While not necessarily the most scientific or philosophical way of thinking I feel that in a school setting it remains the most agreeable way of teaching.

14. i believe evolution should be taught in high schools. Evolution is a fact of science and if ignored is ridiculous. There is tons more evidence supporting theories of evolution than that of biblical archaeology can tell us of creationism. Besides, this country is far too liberal to ban the teachings of something that goes against the Bible nowadays anway.

15. Evolution is a fact and should be taught to every student in America regardless of religious believes. Creationism has no basis in fact and is a religious aspect. On the other hand, evolution has a strong foundation in fact and should be taught in all public schools. Separation of church and state should allow for this. Some may not believe in evolution but it should be the duty of the public school system to present all legitimate ideas evenly and fairly.

16. I believe that evolution should be taught in public schools because it offers children a new perspective on how life evolved. Along with this, though, I believe that other perspectives should be presented such as the creation story, just to show the children that their are different religious and cultural views as to how life evolved, and they can therefore be more educated and more respective to other people's views. The idea should not be to set a child’s beliefs in stone about the history of life, but rather present them with many different perspectives and have them choose.

17. Yes evolution should be taught in all public schools. It is an important historical theory for young people to learn. It doe snot need to be taught as an absolute possitive or in place or religion but it should be taught. If it is not taught then kids may never get a full understandign of it. Each child deserves the chance to make the decision whether they belive it or not. It may be that their parents would never explain it to them. How else will these kids know. Someones got to shine soem light on them. Evolution should definatly be taught in public schools.

18. I believe that evolution should be taught to public school students just as they would be taught any other scientific theory. The whole point behind sending children to school is not so that they will learn only what is necessary to their survival, but also so that they may gain a knowledge of what is going on in the world around them, and what has occured throughout the history of the earth. And how would one go about explaining the history of the earth without providing a student with information about the many different theories concerning where life, as we know it, began;or if not how it began, then at least how it has developed over the years. After all, evolution is a very widely believed theory that has much evidence to support its existence, and if children are not taught about evolution then what will they be taught? Will they be given a religious theory of how life has become what it is today? Of course not, because if it is not right to provide students with scientific theories then it could not be right to provide them with religious theories. Surely people do not think that we could get away with telling them nothing about where thier species came from. Sooner or later they're going to want to know. As far as I'm concerned public schools should provide students with as much information, whether it be scientific or religious,as is possible, and allow the students to ultimatly make their own decisions as to what they beleive. After all, the only problem that anyone could possibly have with teaching evolution is that the students will decide to believe it, and isn't that thier choice to make anyway?

19. Evolution should be taught in every science class in every public school in the world. Evolution has been proven over and over and over again to be a certain fact. Clearly, the only question left to answer is who is actually our ancestors. It is somewhere between Australopithecus afarensis, found 2.5 mya, A. anamensis, or A. africanus, both found about 3-4 mya. Evolution of apes through hominids and early Homo, (like erectus and ergaster) to modern humans, Homo sapiens is a fact that should be taught in public shools everywhere.

20. There are various theories of evolution both supported by historical and physical evidence. In order to dispute evolution as a legitimate scientific idea, we would have to not only disregard biology but also throw away what is known about geology, physics, and chemistry. All of these sciences support the idea of biochemical evolution as the means for life developing on Earth. This would be fine, if one had something to offer in their place, but all the "creationists" have to offer is their interpretation of a 2000 year old scripture. I believe most of those who argue against evolution are sadly misinformed and misled due to the tremendous amount of evidence from all branches of science that supports it.

21. I think that evolution should be taught in schools. Evolution is a huge principle of modern science. I think that children should be taught this no matter what kind of school they go to. Evolution explains how humans became how they are and how life on earth progressed throughout its long history. No matter what religious or moral beliefs a person has, they don’t make evolution false. People should stop fearing evolution and come to accept it. Humans just did not come out of thin air we evolved from apes. It is ridiculous to not teach a scientific theory of this magnitude in schools because it is not understood or not accepted.

22. Evolution SHOULD be taught in ALL high school classes. However, the only ones that can be required by law are public schools. Unlike creationism, which has no scientific basis nor proof to back it up, evolution is an actual phenomenon that occurs in nature. The teaching of evolution should not suffer merely because creationism-supporters have chosen it to represent the opposition to their view (although evolution does not directly contradict creationism). If a theory has scientific basis, and can be proven, it should be taught. Also, in the United States, the church and state must be kept separate, and as a result, public schools are the only schools that must teach it by law.

23. I believe that evolution should be taught in all public schools as a theory. However, the topic should be introduced after elementary school level, when the student has the openness to judge the theory on his own beliefs, rather than blindly accepting the concept simply because a teacher expressed the facts of evolution. Just as students are exposed to a variety of religious and philosophical ideas, they should understand the support behind the evolution theory. Therefore, the student may weigh the evidence of evolution to his personal beliefs, and create an individual interpretation. Teaching evolution is not a problem, as long as the student makes a personal decision on the matter.

24. I think that the obvious answer to the question of whether we should be teaching evolution is clear-definitely! Even if one has certain religious beliefs that would perhaps lead them to ascribe to a different theory of how life on this planet came to be, it is such an important part of how we come to conclusions on things in science that ignoring its presence in the material being learned seems unreasonable. To exclude it would be to remove the greater half of the scientific conclusions that we have come to this last century and a half since it was proposed in 1859. That would set so many students so far back in future courses that not having the advantage of being at least fairly familiar with it could be detremental to thier education as a whole.

25. The question of teacing eveolution in public schools has been a popular topic of debate in recent years. I would say based on the diveristy in America today, and the differing beliefs that go alon with that diversith it would be best to abstain from any formal presentation of the material in qustion. If one is so inclined they could pursue other may independent forms of study in the field, such as just researcing on their own.

26. I feel that evolution should be taught in the classrooms. It is not telling someone that they have to believe in it. It is just giving the scientific perspective of how evolution and humans arrived on this earth. If the child has other beliefs then there is no reason why he can put the scientific ideas behind him and continue believing his own. All the scientific theory is doing is providing another perspective and scientific knowledge that can be useful for the child as he grows up. If worse comes to worse, then it should be optional for the student to choose if he/she wants to participate in that class. But other than that, there is really no big reason why is should not be taught.

27. I think that evolution should be taught in all public schools. Evoultion is how single celled organisms eventually became people and how animals have bettered themselves, physically and mentally. I understand that some people think that evolution may undermine their religion, but maybe some type of comprimise should be reached. Maybe they could combine that adam and eve stroy and the monkey story and work something out.

28. Evolution should be taught in schools. Children need to be fully educated in both science and religion. As they grow up, they will presumably make their own decisions with regard to evolutionary and religious theories. Therefore, it is better to have the knowledge so they can make their own informed conclusions. Parents can only monitor their childrens' educations to a certain point, then the child is subject to the influence of their peers, professors and studies. Thus, schools should teach evolution to expand the learning experience.

29. The theory of evolution, as a widely accepted and profoundly influential scientific breakthrough, should without a doubt be taught in public schools. It certainly does not mean that students must accept the theory as their own personal belief. The function of school is to educate — if students are not taught what has affected innumerable branches of science since its creation, they will be receiving an incomplete and unclear picture of what science (and its history) encompasses. It is fair to explain when teaching evolution that there are groups of people who contest the theory; this allows students to receive information from both sides of the debate and make a well-informed opinion as to their own beliefs.

30. Yes, evolution should be taught in public schools. Even if the parents of the children do not believe in the theory of evolution, the children still have the right to learn about it. Nothing should be allowed to stop them from learning about other possibilities. Evolution is a part of science and if we are going to be teaching our children about science we should include all of it. Certain aspects of the scientific field should not be excluded simply because they contradict religious beliefs.

31. Evolution should be taught in public school science classes because it is a theory that explains the origin and development of all living things and its base is on scientific reasoning. This basis is the relates it to the science cirriculum and justifies its teaching to public school children. Different religious theories, the creationist theory for instance, that conflict with evolution should not be taught in public schools because it is primarily a religious idea and not one based on science. Individual students or parents of students who are opposed to teaching evolution in public school because of its cpnflict with religious theory should be able to have optional attendance on these lessons. If the parents of these children or the students are so opposed to the teaching of evolution in public schools, then private religious schools would be the better alternative for them.

32. I think that evolution should be taught in schools, as long as those individual students should be excused if it interferes with their religious beliefs. Evolution is a part of science, and should be taught in a science class and students should be aware of the scientific theory, not just the bible way.

33. Instead of taking a strong side on either side of the debate, I would rather say that emphasis on the topic is a very important part of science. All possible theories should be taught to students without drawing a conclusion to which one is right or wrong, but rather ont eh facts fo each. Using this method will allow children and their parents to make their own conclusion to which one they want to believe based on the hypothesis presented. Also the ethics involved in religion will not be challenge since there is an absense pressure leading students one way or another.

34. Evolution is the accepted mechanism for the development of life and almost all biology is based upon it as a principle. This really should not even be a debate, the fact that species evolve is scientific fact, and is no longer up for discussion, especially not to those outside the scientific community. It is not up to parents or school boards or even public school teachers to decide what students should learn. Our society as a whole delegates that responsibility to the scientific community to determine truth in regard to what should be taught to students. The goal of schools and all education institutions is to provide instruction and exposure to academe and when we filter those according to religious beliefs more harm is done than good.

35. I believe that evolution should be taught in public schools. While some parents might not want their children learning about evolution, the opportunity should be out there anyway. It would give students, at the very least, another perspective to see things through.

36. Evolution should definitely be taught in all schools, both public and private. It is not a matter of religious opinion, but one of fact. Scientists have been developing this thesis for many years and they have located strong factual evidence to support it. Not exposing children to this knowledge can be very harmful to their development. It is important to know all sides of an issue before forming an opinion on it. If children only learn what their parents or religion believes to be true, they will live very sheltered lives. Parents should support this idea and stop creating controversy in the school system and political arena.

37. I believe that teaching evolution to students in school should be done. I believe this since it is there to inform people of other ways of thinking about problems and to give other ideas. Teaching this is not trying to change the persons beliefs about the topic, but is there to show them another idea on it. So I believe that there is nothing wrong with teaching students evolution and I think it should be done,

38. The 1925 Scopes Trial in Tennessee generated public support for the theory of evolution. Although, it took a funded study by the National Science Foundation, called the Biological Sciences Curriculum Study to institute the theory of evolution into high school curriculum. The theory of evolution contradicts the theory of creationism, causing many states to adopt State Creation Laws; mandating that creationism be taught in place of evolution. The Supreme Court rejected these laws in the 1987 case of Edwards v. Auillard due to their impingement on the First Amendment. Creationism is seen as an expression of religious belief. Currently 99% of scientists studying the fields of biology and earth science accept the theory of evolution. If the teaching of evolution were abandoned in public schools, the relationships between differing sciences will become worthless. This makes it essential for continued teaching of evolution.

[by accident, there is no #39]

40. I think evolution should be taught in public schools. Parents may not there kids to learn about evolution because it conflicts what they believe in. They have a reasonable argument but for someone to be able to form an educated opinion, they must be well rounded in what they know. When people make on the spot opinions on things, thats when problems start. Also, the parents should respect the right of their child to make his/her own mind about what they believe in.

41. I do think evolution should be taught in public schools. According the science community evolution has been proven. It is only logical to teach our children about the origin of human life the correct way instead of hiding behind false beliefs like religion.

42. I primarily beleive that parents should be able to decide what their children should do until the child is old enough to make its own desicions. I am someone who does beleive in evolution and therefor whould allow my child to be taught in that certain subject but others may not agree. Some perople may have personal problems with having their child learn about evolution but i also think that science is an importanmt subject to learn because our world is moving so quickly and becoming more and more technological and without the knowledge of science and evolution, the child will grow up without this important type of exposure. But i still do beleive that it is up to the parents to decide what is right for their children

43. Yes, evolution should be taught in science classes around the world. Evolution is a fact of life and not teaching it would deprive children of knowing the origins of complex life. Although, many religions disagree it depends on faith. To avoid clashes with religion parents can chose whether their child can be subject to the evidence of evolution. The proof seems to be overwhelming to me and ignoring the facts only makes matters worse. In the end almost everyone will have heard about or is familiar with evolution, so each individual has the chance to accept or disregard.

44. Evolution should be a major part of every biology curriculum in public and private schools. With such events as the scopes monkey trial, and prayer being banned in public schools, the days when religion dominated private and public policy are over, with exception to the christian right of the GOP. But since the supreme court has opened the path for science to be taught unimpeded without religous backlash, i think that it should used to its full advantage. And this can be done in a way that does not denounce the bible.

45. I think evolution should be taught in schools because there has been so much scientific evidence discovered that can not be ignored. If religion or some other aspect of belief comes into play that makes a parent feel uncomfortable with their child learning something then they can just have the child sit out of the class. We should not censor science.

46. Evolution should be taught in science classes in all public schools. I know that there is conflict with such things as religious beliefs, but evolution is something that actually happened and needs to be taught. If any chilld's parents have a problem with evolution being a lesson in science class, then there should be an alternative for that student. But, even if this is the case, every person should at least have an understanding of evolution whether they believe in it or not. With the scientific world that we live in today it would be almost impossible to not have been taught at least a little bit about evolution.

47. I believe it is important for evolution to be taught as theory rather than fact. It is important that students understand that you are not trying to change their beliefs. These beliefs are usually very strong, having been taught by their parents and other areas of their culture. Teaching evolution as fact will probably upset many students and turn them off. Then you will have other students who will accept it as a fact without ever drawing their own conclusions. By showing students how evolutionary theory and the creation theory are in conflict, you will allow them to draw their own conclusions.