Purpose of the Bill

The bill is designed to enhance the critical thinking skills of high school students, specifically in the areas of history and science education. It aims to encourage students to examine and understand different perspectives on complex topics.

Main Provisions

• Target Audience: The bill affects students in grades 9 through 12 in Minnesota school districts.
• Curriculum Requirement: Schools are required to provide instruction that explores two contrasting viewpoints:
  1. Scientific perspectives on the existence of complex living organisms and related phenomena such as sickness, disease, pain, suffering, and death.
  2. The belief that these phenomena are consequences imposed by a Creator.

Significant Changes

This bill introduces a new educational requirement for high schools in Minnesota, necessitating a curriculum that includes the discussion of differing perspectives on the origins of life and the existence of suffering and death. It provides a framework for students to practice critical thinking by evaluating and contrasting scientific theories with theological or philosophical views.

Relevant Terms

critical thinking skills, scientific facts, complex living organisms, creator, sickness, disease, history, science education, high school curriculum, contrasting viewpoints, philosophical views.