One young voice can make a change, even in education laws

 

 

http://io9.com/5976112/how-19+year+old-activist-zack-kopplin-is-making-life-hell-for-louisianas-creationists

According to the article this young man is fighting for Science education of our youth in Louisiana. When Zack Kopplin was only fourteen years old the Louisiana Science Education Act was passed. The act allowed teachers to "bring in their own supplemental materials when discussing politically controversial topics like evolution or climate change." This, in turn, gave way to almost getting rid of traditional science books altogether. Kopplin wrote an English paper on the subject in 2008 in hopes that someone would take on the law. At 18, he realized that no one was going to do anything about it, so for his high school senior project he proceeded to get a repeal bill. He has since started a campaign to repeal the LSEA. A young man who was once shy student is now standing in front of America for what he believes.

I choose this article because it gives a perfect example of how young people can make a difference in society. I agree that science should be taught as it has been. The basics of biology and chemistry; for instance cells, photosynthesis, energy, elements and compounds are instrumental to the future of our youth and our world. The Merriam-Webster.com defines creationism as, "a doctrine or theory holding that matter, the various forms of life, and the world were created by God out of nothing and usually in the way described in Genesis". If you take away those basics and teach nothing but creationist texts then how will these children fair in college? How will they know if they want to be doctors or scientists? When faced with a post secondary education that teaches something completely different than they have been taught, how do you think they will fair?

Although I feel science textbooks should be left alone, I am not a full supporter of the separation of church and state. I do think there are subjects where the bible can be taught along with traditional text to include philosophy and literature. There are also private schools that teach creationism in separate classes and leave science to the basics.

I know there is a big controversy over the evolutionary theory and creationism but should we really risk the education of our youth and the future of our world? I know many people that are doctors and scientists that have been raised in the traditional education system that are firm believers in God and creationism. However, they do not argue over which is correct they instead look to solve the bigger problems at hand. How do we solve aids, cancer and leukemia? They may get in to deep conversations now and again but their faith and their careers are separate matters. They had to understand the theory of evolution to complete their education but it has not harmed their faith. 

I think this kid is on the right path. Not only is he trying to better the education of science in his state but he is also setting an example for all of us. If you don't believe in something, change it. If something isn't right for the greater good, speak up! If you try hard enough you can be heard.