Definitely Weird

“You’re stewed, buttwad.”

In high school, I stole a dissected frog from science lab and placed it in my teacher’s bag. Almost sent the poor woman into cardiac arrest. In an example of karmic retribution, my principal put me in charge of two science classes this year: Integrated Science and Biology. I’m a certified social studies teacher, folks. But okay. Gotta love public schools. I did learn a lot fumbling my way through lessons on genotypes these past four months. (A few old friends are remembering roan cows and thinking I so deserve this sh*t.)

During my adventure, I focused on social issues in science. Cause I can’t help myself. Students and I discussed the nuclear power plant being built in Citrus County, evils of partially hydrogenated oils, and drilling in Alaska and the Gulf of Mexico.

Which brings me to Intelligent Design. No hotter topic exists among science teachers than this latest assault on reason. Many misguided pseudo-intellectuals believe new and improved creationism ought to be taught alongside evolution. They think students should hear both sides in order to make informed decisions. ID and evolution are not competing theories! One is science while the other is philosophy.

Media is all over this controversy. Newsweek ran a Darwin cover story this week. The Daily Show had their take. But Mother Jones puts everyone to shame. This groundbreaking publication to which any self-professed liberal ought to subscribe recently came out with a special edition on God. The spread is both educational and entertaining.

Wanna know what scares most free-thinking Americans about unchecked religious fundamentalism? Check it out and try not to hyperventilate.

I especially enjoyed this thought-provoking piece on the battle between ID feelers and Darwin thinkers at Baylor, a Baptist college in Texas. The battle being fought, Christian against Christian, is a microcosm of the larger war waged in schools all over the country. School board members in Dover lost their jobs over this issue. It’s a scary day when I find myself agreeing with George Will. However, anyone with a stake in children’s education ought to get informed and learn about these issues surrounding what your kids will learn in science class. I just hope they have a teacher who can properly explain photosynthesis.

Now who wants to discuss the Versailles Treaty? Anyone?