Provides a rationale for including evolution as part of a college general education curriculum, discussing the content of evolutionary theory, instructional principles, Darwin's contributions, evolution and religion, and the relationship of evolution with current events. (DMM)

Discusses several topics central to the evolution/creationism dispute: (1) Darwin's ideas and influence; (2) rise of fundamentalism in America; (3) what fundamentalists think about evolution today; (4) effects of attacks on evolution in the public schools; (5) what creationism is; (6) creationist objections to evolution; and (7) court battles.…

Provided in this document are reviews of 31 creationist publications. The reviews, written by Iowa teachers and scientists, were conceived in 1982 during a drive by Iowa creationists to install their books and other materials in the schools of 60 Iowa communities. Introductory comments on the format of the reviews and several generalizations are…

Discusses four fundamental issues of the "creation-science" and evolution debate: the prevalence of creation myths, an assumed scientific world view, public schools as moral supremacy battlegrounds, and the general population's scientific and religious illiteracy. Calls for free inquiry into the nature of the world's religious traditions and…

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…

Addresses philosophical problems of the evolution/creationism debate (including underlying assumptions of creationism and nature of science), suggesting that creationism cannot be presented as science in science courses because it fails to qualify as a science. Prediction and explanation, absolute creationism, and a fundamental difficulty in…

Discusses: (1) the theology of creation (religion); (2) evolution (science); and (3) scientific creationism (religious doctrine and pseudoscience). Points out that contrary to its claim, the latter is a sectarian religious doctrine in the guise of science demanding to be taught in the classroom "as a science." (JN)

Examines issues and events related to Liberty Baptist College's (LBC) request to have the Virginia Board of Education approve LBC's biology program for teacher training. Criteria used in evaluating the program and interpretations of various individuals involved in the controversy are included. (JN)

Examined is the extent to which teachers actually hold pseudoscientific beliefs. Described are the study design, sources of pseudoscientific belief, and correlates with various types of pseudoscientific beliefs. Results indicate that many high school biology and life science teachers endorse these beliefs. Implications of this study are discussed.…

The establishment clause of the First Amendment permits public school instruction that serves secular educational goals, but it forbids instruction that instills religious beliefs in children. Although the free exercise clause protects those who oppose such secular courses, their sole remedy is partial or total exemption from the courses. (MLF)

Reviews issues and events related to adopting high school biology textbooks in Texas. Specific reference is given to the viewpoints of Mel and Norma Gabler. It is argued that factors controlling textbook content should not result from past market forces, but from a permanent science constituency and an informed public. (DH)

Urges biology teachers to discuss creationism in classrooms, pointing out why it is not science. Indicates that such action would be farsighted recognition of and response to a genuine educational need in society. Topics addressed include scope of science education, the creation movement, censorship, and suggestions for implementing creationism in…

Perspectives on contemporary creationism are offered and the effects of that movement on public education are examined in this collection of articles. Six papers address concerns related to: (1) the detrimental impact of creationism on the teaching of science and on the understanding of the natural sciences; (2) efforts in confronting creation…