Why should evolution be taught in schools?
823057
To deliver both sides of the argument. Why shouldn't evolution and creation be taught?  Why can't religion be taught???Not that it's right or wrong but just the facts.  Not just Christianity, but all religions.  I was never taught what other religions believe.  But if its from a factual perspective...what's wrong with that?? Schools are for education...why not educate.\np.s. a "theory" in science does not mean "a guess."  Look it up.
444517
Evolution is fact.  Think about it.
272648
Absolutely; I don't think too many topics should be off limits in high school.  HOWEVER: creationism or Intelligent Design or whatever you want to call it does NOT belong in science class, because it does NOT fall under the definition of what makes science science.  (And arguing that evolution isn't a perfect theory either is no defense--evolution still falls under the defintion of a scientific theory, while creationism does not.)  Further, the idea that science classes are the place to "teach the controversy" is baloney, because at that point you might as well teach the controversy that the Turtle God swallows the sun every night and poops it out again the next morning....Does this mean students have to be forced to accept evolution?  Not at all--but science accepts it (yes they do), therefore it belongs in science class.  \n\nThe place to teach the controversy is in social studies--and frankly, nowadays I think you'd be remiss if you DIDN'T bring it up there.  And of course if there's any public high school brave enough to have a religious studies class, then the controversy would certainly belong there.  In short: teach them both, just teach them in their proper places.
44859
The idea of fundamentalism arose around this time. One aspect it regarded was the teaching of evolution in schools. One teacher was put on a trial, and it was actually quite famous, for teaching about evolution. It supposedly went against the teachings of Christianity and creationism.
332684
It's a failure of American culture that so many people take Genesis literally. Science teachers can only do so much, you know? And besides, when kids are taught Genesis at like age 1 and then evolution at 15, what are they going to believe? Most likely the thing they've known the longest and is the easiest to understand.
1097273
Evolution is only a theory.  If it is being taught as "fact" then they are doing you a disservice.
677385
Creationist stories were written to explain what could no be explained by science, specifically, where we came from.  Science has since explained this with the theory of evolution.  Evolution is what really happened; creationism was simply created to fill the holes until we figured it out.\n\nEvolution is a scientific theory that explains the origin of the diversity of species (note that it does not, and is not intended to explain the origin of life). The basic idea of evolution is that mutations result in genetic diversity in a population, and consequently different traits, and different selective pressures favor certain traits over others. In a diverse population, some individuals are better suited to the environment than others, and the individuals that are better suited are more likely to survive to reproduce and thus pass their genes on to the next generation. Consequently, the next generation will have more of the "good" genes and fewer of the "bad" genes than the generation before it. Because the environment is constantly changing, the definition of "good" and "bad" genes is also constantly changing. Something that used to be an advantage can become a disadvantage, and vice versa. More often, however, neutral traits will become either good or bad. Changes in environment can include not only changes in weather or resources, but also competition from other species.\n\nAs the environmental pressures change, the population of organisms changes with it. Over time, the little changes start to add up, and eventually the population will be so different from the ancestral state that it will be considered a different species. The diversity of species results from splitting of populations. If a population is separated by some geographical or reproductive barrier, the two subpopulations will likely evolve in different ways, to become two separate species. Eventually the two species may be reunited, but they will no longer be able to interbreed. Instead, they will compete with each other, and likely diverge even more.\n\nThe theory of evolution is supported by considerable scientific evidence, and is accepted by the vast majority of the scientific community. It is the ONLY scientific theory currently in existence that explains the diversity of species. Some people claim that "intelligent design" is an alternative theory for the origin of species. However, intelligent design is not a theory in the scientific sense. It is not supported by scientific evidence and can never be tested experimentally (not because we don't have the tools yet, but because it is theoretically impossible). Intelligent design provides an alternative to science, not an alternative scientific theory.\n\nScience is not about finding a single piece of evidence to conclusively prove a theory. It's about constructing theories to fit the existing evidence and gathering new evidence that supports or refutes existing theories. Evolution is supported by a preponderance of evidence. While no one point conclusively proves it, when all the evidence is considered in the context of existing scientific knowledge evolution is a well substantiated theory. Intelligent design is not.  What follows are brief explanations of some of the evidence that supports the theory of evolution.\n\n1. Vestigial structures\n\nOne example of a vestigial structure in humans is the appendix. It has no function. Removing it is harmful only in so far as any surgery is associated with certain risks (so I wouldn't have it removed just for fun, but it's because of the surgery not the absence of the appendix). An appendix is found in several mammals. In humans it is small and has no known function. In rabbits and many other herbivores it is large and is used in the digestion of cellulose.\n\nAnother example of a vestigial structure is the hipbones of snakes. Snakes evolved from quadrupeds, and some species still retain not on pelvises, bu
828865
I don't think it'd be a particularly bad thing for there to be a religion course in public schools.  Religion is a huge part of modern society, and to be ignorant of (or worse, prejudiced about!) it is to lack understanding of a key factor in today's world.  You just can't fully understand events in Iran, Saudi Arabia, India, England, Tibet, Israel, France, Norway, the United States, or a myriad of other nations if you don't understand religion.  As for which religions should be taught, it should naturally be all the major ones, not just Christianity.
147062
Once people believe in something it's hard to "set it aside"  I am a scientist by nature so evoluton would be hard not to believe in for me.  I think in this case school is required to teach evolution, but you can teach creationism in church and at home.
448333
Evolution is science.  it is and should be taught in science classes like biology or ecology.  Experiments with bacteria and fruit flies prove the whole survival of the fittest thing.  look at antibiotic resistant bacteria.  \n\nBreeding of animals is a huge example of artificial evolution. The most desired traits get passed on, except here the breeder selects the traits rather than nature.  Eventually the breed become very different from its animal of origin.  Look at a toy poodle and a wolf.
480974
I wouldn't make a fuss about it.Parents influence their kids when it comes to religion.No matter what the teacher says,the child usually believes their parents anyway.I heard one kid say "I don't believe in Evolution because my mamma told me it was false".However the child must understand that he doesn't have to  believe the theories,but he must still learn them.\n\nJust let it go.He was a substitute.The only time you should report him is if he dimisses facts and evidence that he is suppose to teach.His thoughts of them doesn't matter as long as he teaches his lessons.He only gave his opinion.It's not like he made a quiz based on what he said.\n \n\nedit: \n \nAnd I disagree that God made animals as food just for us.Animals eat each other for food and to some animals we are food for them.Every living creature is food for another creature.Humans don't only eat other animals.Other animals were around before we even came along.If  the Specie who was the top of the food chain at the time had our intelligence,they would have thought that God made animals as food just for them also.\n\n Evolution is not taught as fact,but as a theory that is supported by evidence.Creationism doesn't have any evidence to support it;that's why it shouldn't be taught in science class.\n\nChristians always criticize the evolutionary theory as if the story of creation has better evidence to support it.Life and earth is not evidence.Anyone could have made a story of how life and earth came about after the fact.\n\nAnd they should not prohibit the teaching of evolution in school.It is taught as a theory that is supported by scientific evidence.There are many scientific theories.Should they be omitted also? No.It's science.Science isn't always about proving something absolutely true.It is also about finding evidence and coming up with a theory.A theory isn't a theory unless it has evidence to support it.
357135
Evolution is a fact. People, plants, animals, weather, land masses and bodies of water all evolve. The word evolve means to develop or achieve gradually. However, the theory that evolution and the big bang are the origin of life is not a fact, only a theory. The beginning of life and matter is the one most significant and extraordinary event of all time, so how it happened is likely to be similarly extraordinary story. The Bible does not say "Thou shalt not evolve", nor does it say that "nothing ever develops and changes", in fact it calls us to evolve - spiritually, socially, and mentally. The Bible teaches us that there is only one thing that never changes - God. Why is it easier to believe that all of a sudden everything blew up and here we were - oops! No, things happen on purpose more often than they do by accident. Especially extraordinary things. They say that a bunch of monkeys could type the works of Shakepeare if given enough time... but wouldn't it be more efficient and infinitely quicker to let Shakepeare do it on purpose? And isn't one of the basic principles of nature efficiency? (i.e. the path of least resistance) So, no I don't think it's difficult to believe that an organized and developed being created an organized and developed universe. Also... as a Christian, I do not believe that we were created to assuage God's boredom. I believe we were created to love God - by our own free will rather than by force.
860223
Evolution helps scientists find the connections between all the different species on earth. Also, it helps us form the different categories of kingdoms, orders, phylum, classes, families, geneses, and species. Without evolution we would not be able to understand some of the differences and similarities between the species like thumbs and the vestigial appendages in snakes and other animals. It also, helps explain what Darwin found in Darwin's finches, and why they are so simular and the types of beaks so different.
998806
I honestly don't think evolution goes against the Bible. Sure, it might go hand in hand with the Bible, but the Bible is not meant to be believed word for word (in my opinion). I'm pretty sure it's the morals behind the stories in the Bible that are important. \n\nIt's stupid that the evolution vs. creation debate has reached such a height. It's especially bad in schools. Personally, I think they should teach everything in schools, you know? The theory of creation, the theory of evolution...even the theory that we all come from space. Of course the youth of today believe firmly in the Big Bang and evolution and Lerman's Bubble Model...most of them weren't taught anything else! That makes for a horribly narrow minded generation. \n\nThe problem with people is that they are so stuck in their ways that they can't see the merit of other ideas, and can't see how those ideas just might intermingle. Maybe the seven days of creation really happened over millions and millions of years, or maybe God put life on earth and just sort of let it go. No one can really know, right?\n\nAnd finally, I'm sick of how everyone says that science is the antithesis of religion. It's not. Sure, we keep finding explanations for everything we used to attribute to God, but in the end, there are some things we will NEVER be able to explain. As you said, that one little point of matter had to come from somewhere. Why not God? \n\nAnd on a final note, I also have trouble with the Big Bang theory. Did you know that there's only a few pieces of completely inconsequential evidence for it? First, they say that there's the same ratio of helium to hydrogen that there might have been at the formation of the universe. So? Secondly, the temperature of space is not absolute zero, which most likely means that the universe is moving. While a huge explosion billions of years ago might attribute for that, it is most certainly not the only possible explanation. The only real convincing bit of evidence is the red shift. As things get further away, they take on a slightly reddish hue (do to wavelengths of visible light and such). Extremely sensitive instruments have shown that the universe has a red tint, which means everything is moving further away. Still, the expansion of the universe may very well be caused by something other than a big bang.\n\nAs I said, people really shouldn't be taught this stuff as truth when it's an unsturdy theory at best. \n\nSorry, I know this was a little scatterbrained. I just really think that the debate is stupid.
880645
Almost every open debate between Creationists and Evolutionists are won by Creationists. That is why \nEvolutionists are afraid to have Creationism taught in schools/colleges. \n  Evolution is based on scientific proof,or so it is widely thought,but Creationism is also based on scientific proof. The fact that Creationists believe all living things were created by a Creator does NOT subtract from the fact that ALL creation science is based on scientifically proven fact. Creation Science is not just based on religious belief,but on hard scientific facts. Thus,I believe Creation Science should be taught in schools as the opposing view to Evolutionary Science. How can our children be fully informed of all the facts if only one side is taught to them? As it stands right now, evolution is being taught as the only answer to the origin of life,and it hasn't been openly challenged...until now. \n   Those who don't believe in creation say that it shouldn't be imposed upon their children in the schools,but there are other things to consider.What about those of us who don't want evolution imposed upon OUR children? What makes anyone think that the rights of the evolutionists supercede the rights of creationists? \n   Not to put any less value on the other religions of the world,but Creationism and Evolutionism are the two largest worlwide beliefs,and the most debated over. I feel it is only fair and logical for Creationism to also be taught in schools/colleges as the opposing view to Evolutionism and let the people who are being taught make an equally informed decision as to which one they believe to be more factual and logical.\n   I cannot speak for all Christians,but I for one am prepared to take whatever steps are necessary to see that this happens,or to at least get the ball rolling,so to speak. Yes,I realize it will be an uphill battle,and I am only one person,but the voice of one  can lead to the voices of many being heard. As I said before,this isn't just a matter of religion,because Creationism is also based on scientific fact,and we can prove that if given the chance to broadcast it wordwide. As it is right now,evolutionists have thwarted all efforts to make creationism a known truth against them,but if enough people are willing to stand up and declare their rights to have their side represented,then sooner or later, we will be taken seriously and our voices will be heard.
229059
Never school.  Creationists should be very careful of this Pandora's Box!  I'm a teacher who very carefully does not teach morals, and gives  a very balanced view of religions when asked, directing them back to their parents when I can.\nIf you make me teach Creationism, I will also teach the other twenty-five creation stories I know of varous cultures and learn more to boot!  When school becomes the teaching of religious ideas rather than scientific theory because people don't understand that scientists (for the most part) don't consider any of their ideas about questioning and doubt, especially Evolution (since we can't time travel yet), then it is time for our children to be taught ALL religions and belief systems rather than let one dominate.  I strongly suggest that the people who understand religion, and those who understand science, stand up and speak against the people who have made religion into a mockery of science, and science a mockery of religion.  Those who try to force religion into the form of a theory, and those who try to push evolution as a proof that religion is wrong (rather than just an incomplete, but useful theory based on the best scientific evidence we presently have), are very deluded and must be faced with those of us who understand religion, science, or both, combining our efforts to speak our peace.  We know the two aren't at war.  It's those trying to crush the other that are, and there are far more of us than of them.\nDon't silence them.  Just put their numbers, and arguments, in perspective.
6266
The answer depends on the philosophy of the teacher. Some contend that schools should be purely academies of a certain body of knowledge -- that is what is covered on standardized tests. Others, myself included, feel that school should teach more than that. A successful school teaches future citizens the skills that will help them be independent, successful workers. Learning how to meet deadlines, working with others in a peaceful manner, conflict resolution, appropriate behavior and dress in a work environment -- all of these are fostered in school and are vital in the working world. School should prepare you for your life experiences.