What Other Alternative 'Theories' Could High School Teachers Teach?

[Chi Meson]

THe ruling in PA on the teaching of an alternative "theory" to evolution hinged in part on the notion that it would open up the possibility of teaching astrology as an alternative to teaching astronomy.

I wondered, what are some other "Theories" we High School Teachers could teach to give the students a chance to "decide" which alternative they like better.

I'm semi-serious here, since I want to have a nice list I can turn to whenever the "it's just a theory" line comes up.

The Ptolemaic model of the solar system is the obvious first choice,

The turtle that holds up the Earth is another good one (and the turtle that holds up that turtle and so on, and so on..."turtles all the way down")

 

[Moonbear]

Here's a nice History of Science site that mentions a number of examples. You're probably already familiar with most or all of them, but they're nicely compiled in one place here.
http://biology.clc.uc.edu/courses/bio104/hist_sci.htm

 

[Pengwuino]

In government, they need to teach the facts as it pertains to the Penguin Super-Counsul located in Antarctica and how it runs western civilization.

 

[Chi Meson]

In government, they need to teach the facts as it pertains to the Penguin Super-Counsul located in Antarctica and how it runs western civilization.

But I thought the PSCA was just a rumor! No one actually believes it, do they?


Oh, and thanks for the site, Moonbear. Very mice of you.

 

[zoobyshoe]

Phrenology, Palmistry, and Humors.

 

[Danger]

Let's not forget the stork theory instead of evil sex education.

Coming soon to a Kansas near you...

 

[Chi Meson]

Phrenology, Palmistry, and Humors.

Phrenology! That's perfect!

 

[Evo]

Hollow Earth Theory. You know, there is a race of super-intelligent beings living inside the planet. If that isn't as credible as ID, nothing is. As the site says "Serious scientific evidence supporting the theory that planets are naturally hollow."

http://www.hollowearththeory.com/articles/hollowEarthHistory.asp

 

[hypnagogue]

Phlogiston theory
http://www.infoplease.com/ce6/sci/A0838824.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phlogiston

Elan vital
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elan_Vital_(term )

 

[zoobyshoe]

Phlogiston theory

You got to love the pseudo-scientific texture of the word and it's forms:

“Phlogisticated” substances are those that contain phlogiston and, on being burned, are“dephlogisticated.”

 

[Pengwuino]

Let's not forget the stork theory instead of evil sex education.

I read that as "Let's not forget the fork theory instead of evil sex education." and instinctively closed my legs...