Latest Challenges to the Teaching of Evolution

Whenever I discuss evolution Im talking about the rose of life from life already existing.

Common sense dictates the process is a natural part of this universe and Darwin would have called it such if he didnt already have his hands full . The natural process started with the evolution of more complex chemicals.

Try to Exceed your mum's expectations.

"Organic" chemistry is primarily the chemistry of carbon and its gazillions of compounds.

A total of four enzymatic steps were combined, in a one-pot reaction, to synthesize carbohydrates starting from glycerol. First, phosphorylation of glycerol by reaction with pyrophosphate in the presence of phytase at pH 4.0 in 95% glycerol afforded racemic glycerol-3-phosphate in 100% yield. The l-enantiomer of the latter underwent selective aerobic oxidation to dihydroxyacetone phosphate (DHAP) at pH 7.5 in the presence of glycerolphosphate oxidase (GPO) and catalase. Subsequently, fructose-1,6-bisphosphate aldolase catalyzed the aldol reaction of DHAP with butanal. Finally, dephosphorylation of the aldol adduct was mediated by phytase at pH 4 affording 5-deoxy-5-ethyl-d-xylulose in 57% yield from l-glycerol-3-phosphate. The phytase on/off-switch by pH was the key to controlling phosphorylation and dephosphorylation.

Rep. Kern Proposing New Bill On Controversial Science Topics
(Ed Murray, Oklahoma City News 9, February 15, 2011)

Representative Sally Kern is proposing a bill she says will allow more discussion about evolution, global warming, and human cloning. But critics say the controversial legislator is trying to add religion to the classroom.

The Legislature has considered similar bills over the last few years but none have made it into law. Kern believes her bill is different. It specifically states no religious viewpoint or doctrine is protected or allowed.

"It stays 100 miles away from creationism and ID. It's not in any way trying to get those in there," said Rep. Sally Kern, (R) Oklahoma City.

Representative Sally Kern said her bill doesn't change any current science curriculum or textbook and doesn't alter Oklahoma's past standards for science education. The bill simply protects teachers who feel they don't have the freedom to fully explore controversial science topics.

"Some people say there's no problem. Yes, there is. I have some surveys that show that many teachers fear for their jobs. That they will be reprimanded or lose their jobs if they teach just pure science. If they teach all of science instead of just the Darwin model," said Rep. Kern.

Oklahomans for Excellence in Science Education has opposed bills like one this since 1999 stating in the past that "promoting the notion that there is some scientific controversy is just plain dishonest. Evolution as a process is supported by an enormous and continually growing body of evidence. Despite 150 years of direct research, no evidence in conflict with evolution has ever been found."

"This bill is not anti-evolution. This bill is ‘Let's teach all of evolution.' Let's teach our children how to have inquiring minds. Let's teach them how to be critical thinkers, to look at both sides of an issue, scientific issue, and be able to examine what is the plausible thing there," said Kern.

Scientist and past president of OESE Dr. Victor Hutchison said Kern's bill, among other things, would hurt Oklahoma's economy. He pointed out Louisiana has the same exact law and almost immediately started losing science convention business.

Kern withdrew her bill from Tuesday's education committee agenda. It will now be debated at next Tuesday's meeting where Kern expects a close vote to advance it to the full House.

"promoting the notion that there is some scientific controversy is just plain dishonest. Evolution as a process is supported by an enormous and continually growing body of evidence. Despite 150 years of direct research, no evidence in conflict with evolution has ever been found."

continually growing body of evidence.

If the legislature feels that evolution is "Scientifically controversial" I think the burden of proof that it is, is on them.

And it is ridiculous to keep on trying to equate the Bible with aliens and spaghetti monsters.

Did you leave out christian and agnostics?