The point is that I agree with Bev, and Jerry too, that people with any scientific training beyond grade school fully understand the great number of mysteries to be addressed and the fragility of countless theories, while school teachers rarely convey to children such a nuanced world view. From my perspective that would be a much more productive course of action.

When I was a biology student, I remember meeting an astronomy student. I said I picked biology because I believed that was the subject area that both needed and would gain the most advances in overturning old and creation of new thoeries over the next few decades. He said he chose astronomy for exactly the same reason. I was amazed. I didn't think there was THAT much more to be done. Now it turns out he was very right.

So anti-Creationists get animated over attempts to criticize some or many subissues in Darwinian theory. They say it is a clever tactic to replace anything unanswered with a Creation non-answer based in dogma. Maybe so, some or most of the time, but yes it is a good and persuaive tactic to my mind. Kids should be encouraged to think things through, without fear that we may turn them into religionists.

On a point relatd to textbook content: I clearly remember my fourth grade social studies book. On the inside coveers,it had a map of the world, with all socialist countries completely blacked out: Lost to civilization - a problem that was growing like a cancer. It was a most impressive map, which left an enduring impression on me.