Florida Gets an Online Earful on Evolution

New science standards up for public comment through state Web page.

The committee has spoken. Now it’s the Florida public’s turn—and, when it comes to evolution, there’s a lot to say.

The state’s first revision of its public school science standards in a decade is now up for public comment. For the first time, the draft standards refer explicitly to evolution and, adhering to scientific consensus, describe the theory as a “big idea,” crucial to students’ understanding of the natural world.

In an attempt to make the process as open as possible, officials are encouraging people to submit comments online, until mid-December, through the state...