Teach both. You know, don't be afraid of information....Healthy debate is so important and it's so valuable in our schools. I am a proponent of teaching both. And you know, I say this too as the daughter of a science teacher. Growing up with being so privileged and blessed to be given a lot of information on, on both sides of the subject -- creationism and evolution. It's been a healthy foundation for me. But don't be afraid of information and let kids debate both sides.Sara Palin, Republican Vice Presidential nominee
A few things bother me.
- Does Ms. Palin think we should teach Creationism in science class? (The "both" part bothers me--a lot. If you open up science class to empirically unfounded beliefs, then "both" is the wrong word. I'd start with the Sumerians (Gilgamesh) and work my way up to the Hebrew Bible version.)
- Science and creationism are not "both sides" of an argument--and challenging each other's beliefs is like arguing over favorite colors.
- We need more critical thinking, and less "information" in science class.
The first ten words of the Bill of Rights are clear:
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion...."
I'd be glad to discuss in class why Creationism is not science; I hope Ms. Palin's father, a science teacher, explains this next time he takes his daughter out moose hunting.