Monday, June 6, 2016

Theory vs. Fact

By Stan G. Kain
November 6, 2003

Controversy in Texas usually makes the news.  Not long ago, renegade Texas legislators hit the headlines, hiding in Oklahoma and New Mexico.  The latest Texas controversy concerns biology textbooks.  This time, religious activists are unhappy with a State Board of Education decision.  Opponents say the new books fail to present the anti-evolution point of view.

There's a long road between physical science and hard fact.  Most physical science is founded in "theory," not "fact."  Each and every day, we learn more about our world and the universe.  Often, new information contradicts or destroys well-established theory.  This is the nature of man's learning about his world.

How many theories, for any given scientific statement, should be presented during the first twelve years of school?  With each majority theory, one may find numerous minority theories, any one of which may be correct.  Should students be subjected to learning every mainstream and minority theory?  I think not.  Such should not be the purpose of elementary education.

Does a public school have the obligation to teach evolution, which is merely another theory?  If so, how long would we wait before one religious sect began to challenge the manner in which evolution was taught?  Public school is not a platform for religious debate.

What is the purpose of a high school biology class?  Is the objective of the class to train biologists?  Absolutely not!  A high school biology class should expect to do nothing more than open the world of biology to students.  If a student finds an exceptional interest in biology, or any other science for that matter, a university is where they may study mainstream and minority theories, including evolution, if that is their choice.

At any educational level, institutions of learning have an obligation to explain the difference between theory and fact.  Students should have an understanding that theory is an assumption based upon limited information or fact.  In my experience, most of the science "facts," I learned in elementary education are now history.  Scientific theory has changed drastically in the past forty-plus years.  Many of the scientific theories taught in my day have been replaced, thanks to new information from our scientists.  That is part of our learning process.

Let's select one mainstream theory to teach in elementary education.  Our schools should also be responsible to explain there are many theories, not just one.  Likewise, schools are responsible for students understanding that theories change, over time.

If we focus on teaching one theory and teaching it well, we have succeeded in generating curiosity and interest in our students.  Teach students to question all theories and develop a desire to learn.  Teach our students how to effectively use a library and resource centers in their quest for knowledge. Teach our students that the world is not a static place.  The world is ever changing and a thirst for knowledge is the only way to intellectually grow.  Let students know there is a creation theory based in religious doctrine.  Let the parents and the churches explain their version of the theory.  Don't put the burden of teaching sectarian beliefs on the backs of public school teachers nor school boards.

If you have questions or comments, please email Stan.

Stan G. Kain 2003

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