Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Teaching evolution topic of Giffords - Bee education debate


The Tucson Weekly describes the education debate between Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and challenger, State Senator Tim Bee for the 8th District seat.

Reporter/columnist Jim Nintzel describes their answers to a question whether evolution or creationism should be taught in science classes:

Giffords says creationism doesn't belong in science classrooms, although it would be fine to teach it in religion classes, Sunday school, churches and at home. "Science needs to be taught in science classrooms."

Bee says the federal government shouldn't decide what should be taught in local classrooms, but adds that "there are competing opinions out there and children can make their own decision about what they believe about the world and how it came to be and that information is good to provide and let people think." He says it's important to teach critical thinking skills.

Giffords response is consistent with the position of the scientific community. Bee's position parallels that of the Discovery Institute, the chief proponent of Intelligent Design.