Mo. House panel pushes bill calling for analysis of science concepts

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- A House education panel endorsed legislation Thursday that calls for a critical analysis of scientific theories, with the bill sponsor saying he doesn't want students to just accept evolution as scientific fact.

The legislation does not specifically mention evolution or the concept of intelligent design -- the idea that creation of the world is so complex that a higher power must be responsible.

Rep. Wayne Cooper, R-Camdenton, said he's not asking science teachers to tell students of alternatives to evolution, but he wants the issue studied critically.

"It's a bill that wants to bring a fuller picture of evolutionary theory," he said. "We don't want to picture it as just a fact."

Critics, however, see the measure as opening the door to teaching intelligent design in public schools.

"There's a lack of understanding of the potential harm we could do to quality science education," Missouri National Education Association lobbyist Otto Fajen said.

The group Science Teachers of Missouri also opposes the legislation and worries it could lead to teaching intelligent design.

"This proposed legislation could be interpreted as requiring that equal or greater time be spent on teaching alternative ideas about the origins of life than those accepted by the scientific community," the group said in a position paper opposing the bill. Officials with the science teachers' group did not immediately return calls seeking comment Thursday.

The bill requires science courses for sixth through 12th grades to follow "best practices," including pointing out when something is a theory or consensus of the scientific community but is not hard data. It says such material can be critically analyzed, including the teaching of "alternate logical explanations."

Cooper said part of the bill's intent is to protect teachers who want to engage students in a discussion of the controversy surrounding the concept of evolution.

"All I want is for students to realize it's just a theory," he said.

Fajen said scientists see evolution as a settled matter, not a controversial topic.

Cooper said he's not pushing hard for the bill to pass this year, saying he wants to work with state education officials and teachers' groups.