This provides the basic underlying semantic difference between "theory" as used in science and everyday life and interviews those on various sides. It raises a question in my mind, writing that "a state Department of Education worker sent out a call-to-arms e-mail to fellow Christians, noting that teaching evolution will be ``a COMPLETE contradiction of what we Teach them at home.'' What were the details and were there any repercussions? This raises another question never asked nor answered: was the letter writing campaign local or was there an outside actor organizing it? While this is a state story and mentions the PA court case and briefly alludes to separation of church and state, I would have liked some examination of how ... More »

It does seem like a balanced story, giving both sides. I do come away thinking that people in Florida must be not very intelligent to not understand science or even be able to know that evolution is happening no matter if it is called evolution or theory of evolution.

This story does a good job of distilling this broad reaching argument down to it's lowest political and religious common denominator. The word "theory" in and of itself might seem like a reasonable compromise, but in reality this is a means of discrediting sound science.

A very frightening scenario--could this lead to another rerun of the Scopes Monkey Trail?

The article reports on the grandsons and the granddaughters of the people who made Galileo recant his heresy as they try to get their churchly foot in the door to try to denigrate the science of evolution. The article is balanced by the more informed statements of scientists and educators. What century is this?

Given the constraints of modern journalism--word counts, etc.--this is a good story. It gives sufficient quotes on both sides of the issue. You come away from it thinking that the Florida legislators who want the change in terminology are insufficiently educated to understand the scientific definition of the word "theory." And the article makes that point several times.

It is time to rid ourselves of "laws" of science. A theory is our best explanation that fits all of the observed facts. Gravitation, Genetics, Thermodynamics, are all scientific theories. It is the use of the word "law" with its implication of settled and "theory" with its implication unsettled that has confused the public.

....Mendel and genetics is part of the curriculum of high school Biology. The only people that don't know this are under-educated folk(trying to rewrite history)....doesn't make them bad, just not qualified to set curriculum. The use of the word Theory is a great idea! This coverage takes no stand....the fly on the wall...on reflection, I find it good.

Solid reporting on an important news event. This article is well-researched, and presents fairly the diverse viewpoints of key stakeholders. It would be helpful to hear more independent perspectives from multiple sources, but overall this is a good read, with helpful context on this controversial issue.