Fix this flawed approach

SCMP Letters to the Editors - (Mar 19, 2009)

I refer to Will Lai's letter ('Stand firm on creationism', March 9) informing us that Hong Kong's evolution curriculum row has become internationally known, as it was reported in the science journal Nature online.

Hong Kong has become a 'world-class laughing stock', as Mr Lai wrote in his letter, due to teaching of creationism in biology lessons in some schools. This follows a flawed guideline as part of the new senior science curriculum with a 3+3+4 school structure to start this year.

In the context of Hong Kong's school system reforms, Nature cited the guideline on teaching Darwin's theory of evolution that 'students are encouraged to explore other explanations for evolution and origins of life, to help illustrate the dynamic nature of scientific knowledge'.

I wonder why science educators in local universities and schools have not made their voices heard against this. One thing is clear. Our science teachers' body, the Hong Kong Association for Science and Mathematics Education encourages members to attend a public lecture entitled 'Darwin, Science and Religion - How History Can Help?'

Other associations overseas, such as in the US and Australia, have taken a firm stance against creationism and intelligent design in science education. I am disappointed with our body, of which I have been a member for more than 30 years.

I call on all science teachers to urge the government to rectify the flawed guideline before the new system begins in September. There is no place for creationism in science education.

Tsui Chi-yan, Tuen Mun