I find this funny. When I attended public school four years ago, there was only one paragraph about evolution in my high school biology textbook.
Evolution in public schools is a non-issue. It is nothing more than a proxy battle between opposing dogmas: ardent, unwavering Atheism, and ardent unwavering Christianity. Both sides are certain that they are correct, and neither is willing to concede.
I do not think that creationism belongs in the science classroom. Evolution is clearly superior in the evidence department, and that’s where it counts. But then again, I do not think it would do any great disservice to students who will likely continue on into careers that have nothing to do with fossils or phylogeny. Ultimately, what is taught in the classroom is of small importance.
The crux of my opinion: it is up to individual jurisdictions to decide what should and should not be taught.
Creationism cannot stand up to genuine scientific scrutiny, and it is this gambit of science that is infinitely more important than what is taught in some grade six science curriculum. This is why creationism will never be taken seriously outside of religious circles.
“Creationism cannot stand up to genuine scientific scrutiny, and it is this gambit of science that is infinitely more important than what is taught in some grade six science curriculum. This is why creationism will never be taken seriously outside of religious circles.”
Evolution is what cannot stand up to genuine scientific scrutiny, IMO.
As for your “one chapter of evolution in your whole school career” experience, it wasn’t mine! Evolution was propounded frequently, not just in science books, but also in literature and history/social studies courses.