Science teaching must evolve

Abstract

Evolutionary theory, study and knowledge moved on dramatically in the latter half of the twentieth century, but school teaching, curricula and teacher training are still in the primeval soup era, says Andrew Moore. Andrew Moore high-lights a problem for science education in Europe: biology teaching all but ignores the contribution of molecular science to evolutionary theory. Without new curricula, the ideas promoted by the intelligent design movement might prevail. Hal Salzman and Lindsay Lowell question a common concern about US education. International comparisons of scores in mathematical and science tests are seen as showing that US science teaching is in crisis. Salzman and Lowell argue that this view is misleading. Scores don't measure technological innovation, and overstocking the ranks of scientists is counterproductive. Lawmakers should instead be helping the large numbers of low performers in schools. To comment on the education-related material in this issue, go to http://tinyurl.com/6ndqko .