Here is my input into standards for science classes in Utah schools:
I learned many things, in school and beyond, that have helped me understand the world, people, culture. They help me value other perspectives.
They are not science.
In third grade we studied Greek mythology.
In college I took classes on folklore, folk music, and urban legends.
A hospital pediatrician respectfully told me about an eagle feather a Native American family attached to their premature baby’s isolette.
A clinic nurse practitioner explained how we have benefitted from safe alternatives developed so that people with religious prohibitions to blood products can receive many treatments.
Nursing school taught different cultures’ health practices.
My family and religion gave me foundation.
Books.
Staying informed on current local, regional, and global happenings.
Science curriculum should teach: The scientific process, the hierarchy of evidence, the history of science, physics, chemistry, biology, astronomy, paleontology, geology, anthropology, etc., based on rigorous scientific standards.
Perhaps an elective course could be developed on various world religions’ teachings about God, creation, the universe, man’s place in it and the meaning of life. Incorporating only some Christian beliefs into science classes would not only do a disservice to science, but could violate the Constitutional prohibition on establishing a state religion.
Rosalie Petersen, Salt Lake City