© 2024 Connecticut Public

FCC Public Inspection Files:
WEDH · WEDN · WEDW · WEDY · WNPR
WPKT · WRLI-FM · WEDW-FM · Public Files Contact
ATSC 3.0 FAQ
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

The Evolution Of Teaching Science

Flickr Creative Commons

http://cptv.vo.llnwd.net/o2/ypmwebcontent/Samaia/where%20we%20live%2005-8-2013.mp3

Pennsylvania is no stranger to controversy surrounding the teaching of evolution. When the school district in the town of Dover required creationism be taught alongside evolution, it sparked a national debate. Ultimately, a federal court ruled that intelligent design is religious theory and not a part of science.

Eight years later, a study by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette has found faith-based theories are still taught in Pennsylvania public schools and evolution often isn’t taught robustly, if at all.

Science experts say it’s an issue much larger than one state. Is evolution, despite being a required field of study, still not being properly taught in some public schools?

We’ll talk to a leading biology textbook author, and to a former teacher here in Connecticut who left his job because the administration didn’t want him talking about Charles Darwin in class. 

And, we want to end with something that our next guest hopes is part of future science education: Green Chemistry.

Paul Anastas asked the question: Is it possible to design chemical products manufacturing processes that reduce or eliminate the need for hazardous substances?

Anastas thinks says so. He recently said the world is on an “unsustainable trajectory.” But he’s got a plan to address it.

He’s has been pushing for safer principals in business and manufacturing with Green Chemistry, a term he coined while working at the Environmental Protection Agency.

He’s the founder of the Center for Green Chemistry and Green Engineering at Yale.

Stand up for civility

This news story is funded in large part by Connecticut Public’s Members — listeners, viewers, and readers like you who value fact-based journalism and trustworthy information.

We hope their support inspires you to donate so that we can continue telling stories that inform, educate, and inspire you and your neighbors. As a community-supported public media service, Connecticut Public has relied on donor support for more than 50 years.

Your donation today will allow us to continue this work on your behalf. Give today at any amount and join the 50,000 members who are building a better—and more civil—Connecticut to live, work, and play.

Related Content