Florida Citizens for Science

I really cannot believe that I have been motivated to write a post after this subject has been considered more times than Kirk Cameron has made a fool of himself. The statement ”Evolution is just a Theory” has resonated in the halls of scientific ignorance for years,I couldn’t even google who was first to make the statement.Thanks to Brandon’s diligence, we have witnessed everyone from State Senators to school board members spouting this worn out canard in an effort to substantiate their position. Now we have this article in the Huff Post entitled “GOP law makers upset that state exams (A C Ts)  test students on made up theory”. including this gem. “The theory of evolution is a theory, and essentially the theory of evolution is not science — Darwin made it up,” state Sen. Ben Waide (R) said. “My objection is they should ensure whatever scientific material is being put forth as a standard should at least stand up to scientific method. Under the most rudimentary, basic scientific examination, the theory of evolution has never stood up to scientific scrutiny.”

Now, I could  direct those who make these kind of statements to Wikipedia and suggest they read very  carefully,but we all know that would be asking too much. So what I would like all of us to try and do is come up with a short, but poignant phrase that would point out the true meaning. I will start off with “Evolution Theory and Fact” lets see what the rest of us can do?

I would quote the parts related to science education in this story about Florida using national standards and tougher tests … but there ARE NONE: FCAT to be retired, replaced by more and tougher exams.

Bridge to Tomorrow is noticing the same thing. “That is, Florida’s students will be competing at the national level in math and English language arts, but we’ll continue to insulate our students from national competition in science.”