by John Schweinsburg of Alabama Citizens for Science Education
In the 2001 Course of Study, a section "Process and Application" is included
at the beginning of each major science subject. This covers the basic
principles of the scientific method. This is not included in the proposed
2005 course of study. I do not agree with deletion. One of the main reasons
that many people fail to accept evolutionary theory and falsely believe that
anti-evolution is scientific is due to a lack of understanding of the
scientific process.
Biology
There is one section called "Diversity and Adaptations," a title which avoids
the use of the word "evolution." (This was also the title in the 2001
version, although "Biological Evolution" was a subtitle). In the proposed
2005 version, this section is primarily concerned with classification. There
are 6 items under the topic. Only one deals with evolution. The others deal
with classification. In the 2001 version, evolution was also covered
inadequately. Only one item mentioned it, but another covered genetic drift
and another covered fossils.
The evolution item in the 2001 version included theoretical foundations for
the theory of evolution and had evolution as a topic by itself:
26. Analyze the theory of evolution by natural selection.
- Identifying theoretical bases
Examples: comparative anatomy, DNA sequence, embryology
- Identifying types of adaptations to environmental conditions
Examples: behavioral, physiological, structural
- Identifying theoretical mechanisms
Examples: genetic drift, isolation, acquired characteristics
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In the 2005 topic covering evolution, the item does not cover the theoretical
basis:
13. Describe protective adaptations of animals, including mimicry,
camouflage, beak type, migration, and hibernation.
- Identifying ways in which the theory of evolution explains the nature
and diversity of organisms
- Using evolutionary terminology, including natural selection,
survival of the fittest, geographic isolation, and fossil record
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The proposed 2005 draft makes no mentions of fossils, other than fossil fuels
and the above reference in connection with evolutionary terminology.
Heredity and genetics appears to be covered much less thoroughly. The
principles of heredity and genetics, which were only discovered after
evolutionary theory had been accepted, strongly support evolutionary theory.
The 2001 version had 5 items devoted to "Heredity and Reproduction." This
2005 has only 1 item, although genetics is included in the DNA and RNA item of
the biochemistry subitem. There is no mention of genetic drift (included in
the 2001 version) and neither version directly includes evolution in
association with heredity.
The ecology section makes no mention of evolutionary interrelationships, which
are important to understanding the principles ecology.
Aquascience and marine biology elective core
Again, there is no "Process and Application" section in the proposed 2005
version.
The 2001 version had two items under "Biological Evolution." The proposed
version has none.
Botany Elective Core
Again, there is no "Process and Application" section in the proposed 2005
version.
The 2001 version had 4 items dedicated to evolution. The proposed version has
no mention of evolution.
Zoology elective core
The 2001 version has 3 items under "Biological Evolution." The proposed
version does not mention the subject.
-- John Schweinsberg
