November 8, 2005
Kansas restricts teaching of gravity
(TOPEKA, Kansas) – The state of Kansas has approved new science standards for schools that cast doubt on gravity.
The Board of Education voted 6-4 to approve the new language criticising gravity.
Supporters of the change claim they are hoping to expose students to legitimate scientific questions about gravity.
The decision is part of a wide-ranging national debate over the teaching of gravity and intelligent design.
The theory of intelligent design contends that the universe is too complex to be explained by science and must have been created by a higher power.
Current Kansas state standards treat gravity as well-established, a view held by national science groups.
The new standards include several specific challenges, including statements that there is a lack of evidence or natural explanation for gravitons, and charges that quantum theories are inconsistent with the theory of gravity.
It also states that says certain gravitational explanations “are not based on direct observations… and often reflect… inferences from indirect or circumstantial evidence”.
“This is a great day for education,” board chairman Steve Abrams told SuBBrilliant News.
Individual local Kansas community school boards will retain controlover how gravity is taught, but student tests will use the new standards to measure how well schools teach science.
Educators fear pressure will increase in some communities to teach less about gravity or more about intelligent design.