Posted on 2/13/2008, 5:07:02 AM by TheBattman
Among the collections of classes I am tasked with is one called “Advisement”, which is a character ed/decision making class. The theme of the class is (I came up with this) “Enabling students to make good decisions”.
Anyway - one of the tools I use is debate. While the students in my section of this class are 7th graders, they are rather bright. The subject of global warming came up in a question about their concerns. So last week, for an exercise in thinking and researching before coming to conclusions, we researched, planned, and conducted a debate (was Friday). I was amazed at the response - and both sides did a really good job of presenting their case.
I told them from the start that I did not plan to directly share with them my own opinion until they had done all their research and finished the debate.
Well, of course, they found lots of info that argues against global warming as a whole, against global warming as being man-caused, and directly refuting AlGore’s Inconvenient Truth (which was shown in another class the same week... more on that in a minute).
Anyway - I had a couple of the students from my class come and visit me this AM to let me know that their science teacher was extremely mad. Several of my students have science the following period. That teacher was showing “An Inconvenient Truth”. They brought up that they had been doing a debate in my class, and that they had come to the conclusion that much of the information was wrong or distorted (yes, they really said that). This teacher got quite upset, and called in the district curriculum co-ordinator for Science and math who came down and lectured the students for 20 minutes on why they should believe in Global Warming (as espoused by Al Gore). Yes, the Co-ordinator is extremely liberal...
Well, I stopped by and visited with the teacher this afternoon. She was indeed quite mad at me. I explained that the purpose of our project last week was to encourage the students to think, not make judgments until they have as much info as possible (and to filter the info for quality/validity), and that I was in no way trying to undermine the class.
She indicated that she was upset because she is held accountable for teaching the Arkansas Science Frameworks which include global warming (and is likely to be on the standardized tests in a couple of months). Here is the exact word-for-word info from the Arkansas Frameworks (you should check them out sometime - find out what the government requires our schools to teach):
Grade 7 Science Frameworks Strand: ESS.8.7.20 - Research how human activities may contribute to global warming.
Glossary: Global Warming - An increase in Earth’s temperature caused by gasses in the atmosphere that trap heat.
So - she was worried because (while I think she believes the fraud) she is held accountable for teaching the frameworks. I think my class (not a science class) did a better job of specifically addressing that framework!
I also told her that the kids would likely remember the info, even if they did disagree with it, because of our activity (debate).
So - apparently, while the frameworks do use the term “may”, that isn’t what is implied if that film is considered “science” and appropriate teaching materials (with ZERO rebuttal or opposing views).
An Inconvenient Truth - a film that presents pseudo-science, stretches, lies, and a whole lot of bitter propaganda about the 2000 election (how does that have anything to do with climate change???).
My opinion - Global Warming is being taught in school as a religion. Part of the secular humanism religion that is being forced on children of our country. Can’t teach them about Christianity (or even post the 10 Commandments on the wall for fear they might actually read them and feel compelled to follow them), but Secular Humanism can be taught freely.
I like it
I wish I had a teacher like you throughout junior high and/or high school.
The course description uses the word “may” in reference to man-made actions accounting for global warming. Shouldn’t that settle things right there?
If it doesn’t MARK TWAIN will: “If we all think alike, then only one of is thinking.”
Thanks for this post very interesting reading.
I think it is a truism that kids/students have a natural tendency to question authority and rebel aganst “the Establshment.” All kids, in every era, in some way or another. So just as “the Establishment” was fairly conservative in the 1950’s and the Baby Boomers rebelled against it, so today Liberals and their pseudo cult represent “the Establishment”. They are in for a series of shocks as students such as yours increasignly make their own minds up, and don’t swallow the propaganda.
You could also remind her that a junior high science teacher usually knows as much about science as a microchip knows about computer engineering.
Bump for excellence.
Is this “Arkansas Frameworks” a Huckabee legacy or a Clinton legacy that Huckabee did nothing about? Or is it the handiwork of some other liberal?
“This teacher got quite upset, and called in the district curriculum co-ordinator for Science and math who came down and lectured the students for 20 minutes on why they should believe in Global Warming (as espoused by Al Gore).”
So first the ‘science’ teacher reacts in a highly subjected manner, rather than objectively analyzing the contrary information, and then, rather than include a dissenting view in his ‘peer review,’ he seeks out someone already in agreement with him.
This guy shouldn’t be teaching science. He should be teaching theology.
I replied before I got to the point where it is disclosed that the teacher is not a he but a she.
Great job! Do you anticipate any blow back from the administration or the school district?
Don’t worry though, a President Huckster will certainly be different! /sarc
Is showing al bores film required by my STATE. Or did the pseudo science teacher just think that film showed how global warming MAY be cause by human activity???? I remember when I was in HS in 1976 when they first came out with teaching “Earth Science” you know back when the ice age was upon us. All that class did for me in make me a freak in that I can not stand to leave the water running when I brush my teeth. Shower with a friend and all that nonsense. I have not been quite right since.
}:-)
Sounds like these kids are getting an inconvenient education in their science curriculum....no facts need be applied...
Excellent job on your class. Anytime you can get kids to actively seek information and make informed opinions you are setting them up for success in life.
While frameworks have been in existence for quite a bit longer than Huckabee was in office, his term started a little over 10 years ago - pre-global warming hysteria.
While I don’t think Huckabee had a direct hand in the fameworks, it was his people in the Arkansas Dept. of Ed....
If they weren’t so young, I’d counter Gore’s awful movie with South Park’s “ManBearPig” episode, and also the “Day After the Day After Tomorrow.” Both are tremedously funny with their global warming position.
I don't think so - at least not at this point. I made nice with the teacher at lunch. As far as the curriculum coordinator - that could be a bit different. We have bumped heads in the past...
You are in quite a position and it seems you approached the subject matter well. As you know we oppose the Gore outline as it is hypothsis and promotes massive tax and restrictions on the economy without basis. Did the students talk about the activity of the the Sun at any time?
INTREP
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