Moscow's right/wrong conspiracy?

[sean <o2design@wsu.edu>]

Thanks for that info, Sue.  I see more clearly some of the criteria 
that are applied, however I'm still not sure if those established 
scientific concepts allow for or encourage differing theory.  I 
assume they do, as the challenge of evolving theory is at the core of 
investigation and discovery (ie, science).  I was struck by this fact 
and how the established view can preclude growth as I watched the 
lastest (?) PBS show on Idaho landscapes ("Shaped by Floods").  In 
it, the scientific establishment (geologists in this case) rejected 
the theory of fellow inquirer.

I remain curious to know how the major alternative theories of how 
our world came to be (is that a safe phrase?) are handled at the 
different secondary ed "establishments" in our town.  Are they each 
presenting alternative views, or are they teaching acceptance without 
weighing evidence, challenging assumption, and considering 
alternatives?

Thanks to anyone who might share examples to answer this question.
s

>
>Science teachers will probably weigh in on this question as well, but I'll
>start the ball rolling.
>
>Sean,
>
>Elementary teachers as will as secondary science teachers have a science
>curriculum that is designed to be age appropriate and based on established
>scientific concepts.  Much of what they teach is tied to the National
>Science Education Standards published by the National Academy of Sciences in
>Washington, D. C.  These standards are based on what academy members refer
>to as "unifying concepts and processes," and are:
>Systems, order, and organization
>  Evidence, models, and explanation
>Constancy, change, and measurement
>Evolution and equilibrium
>Form and function
>
>Teachers often refer to the above as "big ideas in science" and textbooks
>and workbooks often use that term, too.  Those big ideas are designed to
>provide students with ways to examine and investigate scientific data  and
>reflect on their results.
>
>I hope this provides you with the information you wanted.
>
>Sue Hovey
>----- Original Message -----
>From: "sean" <o2design@wsu.edu>
>To: <vision2020@moscow.com>
>Sent: Thursday, December 13, 2001 9:59 AM
>Subject: Fwd: Moscow's right wing conspiracy?
>
>
>>  Can someone explain what the policy is that governs teachers' right
>>  (or mandate) to cover the different theories relating to science or
>>  other topics in the schools?
>>
>>  Thanks,
>>  s
>>
>>  >