Earth and Space Science amendments

Craig offers to amend ESS 4:

Earth in Space and Time. The student knows how Earth-based and space-based astronomical observations reveal differing theories about the structure, scale, composition, origin, and history of the universe.

to read:

4) Earth in Space and Time. The student knows how Earth-based and space-based astronomical observations reveal information about the structure, scale, composition, origin, and history of the universe.

This was the recommendation of the ESS writing committee.

Motion fails, 7-8. Agosto breaks with the good guys.

Dunbar offers an amendment to 8(A), which currently reads:

Evaluate a variety of fossil types, proposed transitional fossils, fossil lineages, and significant fossil deposits and assess the arguments for and against universal common descent in light of this fossil evidence;

to read:

analyze and evaluate a variety of fossil types, such as transitional fossils, proposed transitional fossils, fossil lineages, and significant fossil deposits with regard to their appearance, completeness, and alignments with scientific explanations in light of this fossil data;

She acknowledges that transitional fossils exist.

Leo objects that this changes the meaning, which it may well do, but the language was amended from that proposed by the writing group, so what's the problem? This amendment still sucks, but at least it isn't trying to paint a target on evolution.

Knight asks for clarification on "proposed transitional fossil." Dunbar says that for some things, it isn't clear whether they are actually transitional.

Leo objects that no explanation other than universal common descent offered in the standards.

Craig thinks it's a good amendment. It isn't.

Motion passes, 9-6.

On to environmental systems.