November 10, 2005
-
“… the Board of Education went as far as to
redefine what science is: it’s no longer just a search for natural
explanations for natural phenomena. Now it’s a search for… well,
that’s a bit hard to say. Any sort of explanation, apparently. Pixies,
ghosts, telekinesis, auras, ancient astronauts, excesses of choleric
humor, they all seem to be fair game in the interest of ‘academic
freedom.’”
The shocking redefinition
(with changes highlighted):
Kansas Definition of Science
Adopted Feb. 14, 2001“Science is the human activity of seeking natural
explanations for what we observe in the world around us.
Science does so through the use of observation, experimentation, and
logical argument while maintaining strict empirical standards and
healthy skepticism. Scientific explanations are built on observations,
hypotheses, and theories. A hypothesis is a testable statement about
the natural world that can be used to build more complex inferences and
explanations. A theory is a well-substantiated explanation of some
aspect of the natural world that can incorporate observations,
inferences, and tested hypothesesKansas Definition of Science
Approved Nov. 8, 2005
“Science is a systematic method of continuing
investigation that uses observations, hypothesis testing, measurement,
experimentation, logical argument and theory building to lead to more
adequate explanations of natural phenomena. Science does so while
maintaining strict empirical standards and healthy skepticism.
Scientific explanations are built on observations, hypotheses, and
theories. A hypothesis is a testable statement about the natural world
that can be used to build more complex inferences and explanations. A
theory is a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the
natural world that can incorporate observations, inferences, and tested
hypotheses.
Scientific explanations must meet certain criteria.
Scientific explanations are consistent with experimental and/or
observational data and testable by scientists through additional
experimentation and/or observation. Scientific explanation must meet
criteria that govern the repeatability of observations and experiments.
The effect of these criteria is to insure that scientific explanations
about the world are open to criticism and that they will be modified or
abandoned in favor of new explanations if empirical evidence so
warrants. Because all scientific explanations depend on observational
and experimental confirmation, all scientific knowledge is, in
principle, subject to change as new evidence becomes available. The
core theories of science have been subjected to a wide variety of
confirmations and have a high degree of reliability within the limits
to which they have been tested. In areas where data or understanding
are incomplete, new data may lead to changes in current theories or
resolve current conflicts. In situations where information is still
fragmentary, it is normal for scientific ideas to be incomplete, but
this is also where the opportunity for making advances may be greatest.
Science has flourished in different regions during different time
periods, and in history, diverse cultures have contributed scientific
knowledge and technological inventions. Changes in scientific knowledge
usually occur as gradual modifications, but the scientific enterprise
also experiences periods of rapid advancement. The daily work of
science and technology results in incremental advances in our
understanding of the world about us.”Scientific explanations must meet certain criteria.
Scientific explanations are consistent with experimental and/or
observational data and testable by scientists through additional
experimentation and/or observation. Scientific explanation must meet
criteria that govern the repeatability of observations and experiments.
The effect of these criteria is to insure that scientific explanations
about the world are open to criticism and that they will be modified or
abandoned in favor of new explanations if empirical evidence so
warrants. Because all scientific explanations depend on observational
and experimental confirmation, all scientific knowledge is, in
principle, subject to change as new evidence becomes available. The core theories
of science have been subjected to a wide variety of confirmations and
have a high degree of reliability within the limits to which they have
been tested. In areas where data or understanding is incomplete, new
data may lead to changes in current theories or resolve current
conflicts. In situations where information is still fragmentary, it is
normal for scientific ideas to be incomplete, but this is also where
the opportunity for making advances may be greatest. Science has
flourished in different regions during different time periods, and in
history, diverse cultures have contributed scientific knowledge and
technological inventions. Changes in scientific knowledge usually occur
as gradual modifications, but the scientific enterprise also
experiences periods of rapid advancement. The daily work of science and
technology results in incremental advances in understanding the world.”From both old (2001) and
new (2005) Kansas standards:
Teaching With Tolerance and Respect
“A teacher is an important role model for demonstrating respect,
sensitivity, and civility. Teachers should not ridicule, belittle or
embarrass a student for expressing an alternative view or belief.”It’s a very ancient saying,
But a true and honest thought,
That if you become a teacher,
By your pupils you’ll be taught.– Oscar Hammerstein,
“Getting to Know You”Scientism and Civility:
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