This review essay focuses on Özgür Taskin's discussion of the theory of evolution (TOE), intelligent design (ID) and the convictions of fundamentalist science educators and students in his paper entitled: "An exploratory examination of Islamic values in science education: Islamization of science teaching and learning via…

Cooling identifies two starting-points from which to approach the question of the place of religion in education. He calls them "the Argument from Fairness" and "the Argument from Objectivity". He attributes both of them to humanists and to me personally. He says that he accepts the Argument from Fairness, but rejects the Argument from…

In "Kitzmiller v. Dover" (2005), a court defined science to decide the legitimacy of teaching intelligent design to high school biology students. This study analyzes "Kitzmiller" in light of the complex and interrelated tensions between judicial, scientific, and democratic decision making that lie at the heart of modern…

The federal government has repeatedly denied the introduction of creationism into public schools as it is a direct violation of the separation of church and state. Little is known about those who would opt to eliminate evolution in scientific curriculum altogether. The authors examined this more extreme anti-evolution perspective in a nationally…

Books that contain responses by the scientific community to the challenge posed by creationism are discussed. Scientists defend evolution from creationist criticisms, assess creationism with respect to its own positive scientific contributions, and consider a variety of educational issues that the controversy raises. (RM)

Fossil records are used to point out two major flaws in the scientific creationist theory: (1) factual evidence does not support the theory, and (2) the creationists' own characterization of the fossil record contradicts their theory. Claims that creationists avoid discussing specifics about their model because of weaknesses. (DC)

The National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) supports the position that evolution is a major unifying concept in science and should be included as part of K-college science frameworks and curricula. Includes recommendations and information on the nature of science, scientific theories, evolution as a unifying concept, creationism, and legal…

Presented in its entirety is Judge Overton's decision in favor of the plaintiffs (including the National Association of Biology Teachers) who sued the Arkansas Board of Education, et al., on the grounds that the "Balanced Treatment for Creation-Science and Evolution-Science Act" was unconstitutional. (DC)

This paper examines a seminal case in US education law regarding the separation of Church and State in the public schools. The issue decided was whether it is constitutional under American law for a school district to mandate reference to "intelligent design" (ID) as an alternative to the theory of evolution whilst instructing students…

Presented is the complete text of the judgment, injunction, and opinion of U.S. District Court Judge William R. Overton who enjoined the Arkansas Board of Education from implementing the "Balanced Treatment for Creation-Science and Evolution-Science Act" of the state legislature. (Author/DC)

Summarizes the American Civil Liberties Union's (ACLU's) contention that Arkansas Act 590 (equal time to teaching creationism) is unconstitutional and highlights comments of various witnesses testifying during the trial. (SK)

Intelligent design lacks scientific validity and has been repudiated by every leading scientific organization, including the American Association for the Advancement of Sciences and the National Academy of Sciences, both of which assert that design theory lacks any scientific merit and cannot be supported by scientific research. Teaching it would…

Explains a new approach by creationists to pass state legislation which supports their philosophy yet sidesteps the issue of separation of church and state by avoiding direct mention of God, the Bible, or Divine Creation. Warns of the ramifications of such legislation to science education and general education. (DC)

Excerpts from the opinions of the Attorney General of Maryland on the constitutionality of this state's House Bill 1078 (balanced presentation of creationism/evolution) are presented. Indicates that the bill has as its purpose and effect the advancement of religion and would foster an excessive governmental entanglement with religion. (Author/JN)

Argues that the fight against creationism in public schools is essential to the preservation of First Amendment rights guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution. Discusses how creationists, to avoid religious issues, are presenting the "creation-science" (pseudoscience) issue in terms of academic freedom and censorship. (Author/JN)