by MICAH PARNELL Staff Reporter | Posted: Wednesday, October 9, 2013 12:13 am
In Oklahoma public schools the word “evolution” never appears in any kindergarten through 12th grade textbooks, said Stephen Clarke, moderator for Edmon Low Library’s monthly science symposium.
The Science Cafe made up for lost times Tuesday night by educating more than 100 students and employees on evolution.
Matthew Lovern, associate professor of zoology at Oklahoma State University, said in his lecture only 40 percent of people in the U.S. acknowledge people descended from other animals.
Oklahoma ranked second to last in evolution education when compared to other states, and Alabama is the only state that scored lower, he said.
“Evolution is fundamental to and connects all the life sciences such as biology and psychology,” Lovern said. “It’s important to know the theory because not knowing about it is like trying to teach chemistry without the periodic table.”
The Science Cafe, which started last year, averages about 80 people per seminar, so it was nice to see such a really high turnout for this cafe, Lovern said.
Lovern was one of three professors who lectured and fielded questions from students. His lecture demonstrated physiological proof for evolution and debunked many myths associated with evolution.
“I’ve been condemned to Hell for believing in evolution,” Lovern said. “The thought that you can’t believe in evolution and still be moral is one the ugliest stereotypes I’ve seen.”
First year veterinary student, Tyler Farris attended the event and even took a home a prize Rubik’s Cube in the cafe’s raffle.
“I’m not ashamed of how little Oklahomans know about evolution but I wish it was taught more in schools,” Farris said. “I think one of the biggest takeaways from this I that the average Oklahoman can accept evolution and love Jesus.”
Karen Neurohr, who organized the Science Cafe, said that she considered this cafe a success.
“Numbers wise it was our second highest attendance event and it seemed to get many people talking,” Neurohr said.
The Science Cafes were originally started by Edmon Low Library and Sigma Xi, the science research society, to get students engage after classes were over, said Neurohr.
“It’s proven that getting students involved increases retention rates and academic grades,” Neurohr said. “Traditionally libraries have played a big part in that, so that’s why we started Science Cafe.”
“I would say OSU students on average are less informed about evolution, but are very receptive to new information,” Lovern said.
http://www.ocolly.com/news/osu/article_7ccfa444-30a1-11e3-9854-0019bb30f31a.html