For the past two decades, increasing numbers of scientists have been optimistic about finding other intelligent life forms in our galaxy. On the other hand, as knowledge has grown regarding how life developed on earth, a scientific counterrevolution has evolved. Simply stated, it questions the inevitability of widespread life within our galaxy,…

State and Supreme Court litigation perpetuates the controversy over the role of creationism in the science classroom, and surveys reveal that many Americans continue to doubt the scientific validity of evolution theory and believe in equal classroom time for creationism. (MSE)

Discusses how the earth is a dynamic system that maintains itself in a steady state. Areas considered include large/small-scale earth motions, geologic time, rock and hydrologic cycles, and other aspects dealing with the changing face of the earth. (JN)

Discussed is the question: "If science curricula reflect actions of pressure groups to include or delete certain content, is science a part of a basic, liberal education?" (PB)

This paper explores some of the intellectual forces and themes connected to the emergence of the child study movement as a focus of scientific interest and research. This analysis is followed by a look at some institutional and social developments, which, it has been suggested, created needs and demands for the systematic study of children.…

Examines proposition that creationism is legitimate science, including philosophical basis of that claim and methods used to discredit contemporary scientific thought. Discusses creationist's arguments against scientific findings related to second law of thermodynamics, improbability of evolution, earth's age, geological record, fossil transitions…

Discusses historical aspects of the Christian school movement in the past century as it evolved into one of the fastest-growing branches of private education in America. Compares and contrasts salient themes from Alan Peshkin's profile of a Fundamentalist academy in Illinois and Susan Rose's comparative analysis of a charismatic day school and a…

Designed to explore the complex spectrum of motives and perceptions underlying contemporary criticism of science as expressed in the arena of public education, this study presents a comprehensive account of the struggle between creationists and scientists from the 19th century to the present. Part 1 briefly portrays the historical context of…

Focusing on Judge William R. Overton's decision that Arkansas Law 590 (balanced treatment of creationism/evolution) is unconstitutional, explains the legal significance of some of the apparently nonlegal elements of the judge's opinion and discusses features of the strategies employed in the litigation of such issues. (Author/JN)

Discusses salient characteristics of scientific enterprise including laws (natural regularities), explanation and prediction, testability, confirmation, and falsifiability, tentativeness, and professional integrity. Argues that "creation-science" lacks each of these essential characteristics. (JN)

Discusses various legal and scientific issues related to the McLean v. Arkansas 590 (balanced treatment of creationism/evolution), including nature of "creation-science," responses from scientists and lawyers, focus of the plaintiff's case (anticreationism), nature of science, and one example illustrating creationist tendency to use…

Traces origins of present-day creationists from their 19th-century fundamentalist beginnings, focusing on past and current objections to the teaching of evolution and efforts to require the teaching of creationism in public schools. Discusses creationist arguments and strategies to accomplish their aims. (JN)

Describes contributions and efforts of New York law firm (Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher, Flom) personnel in developing plaintiff's case in McLean v. Arkansas 590 (balanced treatment of creationism/evolution). Discusses aspects of "Pro Bono Publico" (unpaid public interest service) endeavors in general and those related to this law firm in…