To the editor:

A “fact” is what actually happened. A “theory” is an explanation of how it happened.

An “accepted fact” is our understanding of what actually happened, based on the available evidence. As an accepted scientific fact, evolution happens. In particular, species change over time. Also, there is a deep underlying biological unity which evidences a common descent for all earthly life forms.

A “scientific theory” is an explanation accepted by scientists. The modern scientific theory of evolution explains how evolution happened, based on ideas such as “survival of the fittest” and inheritance of DNA mutations. Evolution has become the core organizing principle in biological science.

According to Jeff Kwitowski (Journal-World, May 19), the Lawrence Virtual School teaches the theory of evolution but not the fact of evolution. That is bad science and bad pedagogy. Teaching a theory while leaving out the facts it explains is like taking a jug of water on a camping trip while leaving out the water it ought to carry.

Also, the LVS teaches biology without mentioning evolution until the seventh grade. While marginally consistent with Kansas science standards, that’s like carrying water without a jug. Except that the water is being left out as well.

Studies show that most future scientists fall in love with real science well before the seventh grade. For the sake of our children and for the sake of our economic future, the LVS should teach the fact as well as the theory of evolution at most or all grade levels. Not doing so suggests that the LVS is making unprofessional concessions to the radical religious right.

David Burress,

Lawrence