When it comes to creationism, it might seem as if the United States is trapped in a century-long culture-war rut. In a sense, the Scopes Trial of 1925 put science itself on trial, and it can seem as if every new dispute over teaching evolution is only a repetition of that famous trial. In truth, however, the power of creationism has ebbed…

Discusses the dilemma between evolution and creationism in biology teaching. Explains the position of the Louisiana House Education Committee and presents an example from the Louisiana State University (LSU). (Author/SOE)

This brief review of the Supreme Court case, Edwards v. Aquillard, which struck down a Louisiana statute that prohibited the teaching of evolutionary theory in the public schools unless "creation science" was also taught, considers the ruling's implications on school policies and practices. (CB)

This book, written by a member of the Louisiana State Legislature (who authored a bill during the 1981 legislative session mandating balanced treatment for creation-science wherever evolution-science is taught to public school children), takes a step toward answering the question: Should the scientific evidences for creation be given equal time…

Examines sociopolitical conditions that allowed pro-creationist and anti-evolutionist movements to thrive in Georgia and other southern States. Describes efforts by leading citizens to influence legislation toward propagation of the creationist philosophy, especially in education. Stresses the need for scientists and educators to oppose…

Identifies the groups contributing to the writing and thinking on scientific creationism and the five-step strategy used to influence local boards of education and state legislatures on the subject. (Author/MLF)

The recent flap over the Kansas State Board of Education's decision to drop knowledge of evolution theory from its science standards has rekindled the perennial science/religion debate in education. This article examines mutual relationships of three knowledge structures (science, mainstream religion, and fringe beliefs) and the middle-ground's…

Details of the backgrounds of witnesses in the courtroom challenge to Arkansas' Act 590, which mandated inclusion of creationism in the school curricula, are given. Creationists look forward to the upcoming challenge of a Louisiana law. Public poll results favoring teaching of creationism in public schools are cited. (MSE)

This paper discusses the historical background of the creationist movement, presents Federal Judge Overton's analysis of why and how the Creationists got the equal time evolution/creation teaching law passed in Arkansas, and examines how scientists and educators are reacting to the controversy. Creationists were set back when Overton declared…

Reports recent proceedings regarding a new law enacted in early 1981 in Arkansas which requires schools that teach evolution to teach what the law calls "creation-science." Opposition to the law by the American Civil Liberties Union is discussed. (CS)

Historical background to Arkansas Act 590, mandating inclusion of creationism in public school curriculum, is given, including the history of antievolution bills, emergence of textbook watchers, and political issues in the law's passage. Suggestions are given for elementary and secondary teachers to become informed and active regarding…

Describes the background and outcome of the McLean v. Arkansas Board of Education case heard in federal court in the early 1980s. The decision repealed a legislative act which called for "equal time" in science classrooms for presenting evolution and creationism. The decision also established that "creation science" had no scientific merit or…

In 1981, the Louisiana Legislature passed Act 685 which requires all public schools to provide balanced instruction for creation-science and evolution-science beginning with the 1982-83 school year. In an effort to determine the role of the State Department of Education in assisting the local education agencies in implementing this act, a task…

Describes current attempts to legislate a requirement for schools to teach creation and evolution in South Carolina. Implications for this movement for the entire nation are discussed. (SL)

Effects of the request for equal time (to teach creationist viewpoint) on science curriculum/instruction and teacher credibility are discussed. Uses examples from earth science to illustrate possible effects of a recent creationist bill, Maryland House Bill 1078. (JN)