This document contains summaries of research in science education for the year 1998 and provides easy access to research findings and a critique of research efforts. Contents include: (1) "Science Education Research Published in Professional Journals" (Judith Sulkes Ridgway and Hyonyong Lee); (2) "Science Education Research Papers,…

Legal decisions and other arguments support the argument that the exclusion of creationism from school curricula is not the result of censorship or bias. Equal-time legislation for creationism has the potential to entangle the state and religion and to make the task of teachers, textbook authors, and publishers nearly impossible. (PP)

Discusses why there are creationists, fundamentalists, and evolutionists. Topics addressed include: modern, primitive and creationist thought; myths; appeal of occult; experiments in naturalistic thought; early evolution of American fundamentalism; militant fundamentalism; fundamentalist activities; Islamic fundamentalism; and others. Suggestions…

Discusses three examples of evolutionary transition in the vertebrate fossil record, considering evolutionary transitions at the species level. Uses archaic squirrel-like Paleocine primates, the earliest primates of modern aspect, as examples. Also reviews new evidence on the origin of whales and their transition from land to sea. (JN)

Discusses the nature of the movement to include scientific creationism in the school curriculum and science textbooks, explains the extent of scientists' acceptance of evolution, and describes actions being taken to counteract creationist efforts in an organized and effective manner. (PGD)

The concept of "world view" is examined in relationship to the role of school curriculum and its possible contribution to social problems. The nature of curricula today is thought to contribute to the development of rigid belief systems which might have detrimental consequences for society. (JN)

As the crusade to outlaw the teaching of evolution changed to a battle for equal time for creationism, the ideological defenses of that doctrine also shifted, from biblical to scientific grounds. The development of "scientific creationism" is described, focusing on the intellectual leaders of creationism, particularly those claiming scientific…

Presents two studies done to identify problems students have in understanding the concepts of Darwinian evolution and adaptation. Results indicated poor understanding of the concept of time accounted for misconceptions in both studies (humans destroyed dinosaurs), and that only about 50 percent of students used logical reasoning. (JN)

Some of the testimony of the scientists supporting creation science in the creationism trial in Little Rock, Arkansas, is reported. (PB)

Some contentions of scientific creationism that conflict with accepted principles of geology (catastrophism, fossil records, earth's age, rock formation, second law of thermodynamics) are reviewed, demonstrating that these claims are based not on scientific research or reasonable conjecture but on Biblical references. (Author/DC)

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)

Uses the irruption theory in explaining the occurrence of the Darwin finches in the Galapagos Islands as an example of how alternative theories can be presented in an educational setting. Advocates the comparison of alternative theories to encourage creative thinking and a critical attitude. (CS)

Age related changes in the appearance and behavior of older people which give the appearance of weakness are viewed in ethological and evolutionary perspective. These characteristics are seen as having adaptive value by reducing the probability of being the object of aggressive behavior. (Author)

Presents a model for teaching the principles of evolution. The model presents three major factors that direct changes and affect an individual's fitness. Uses and adaptations of the model are suggested. (Author/SA)

Considers the role of evolution and natural selection in the functioning of the modern human brain. Natural selection equipped humans with a mental toolbox of intuitive theories about the world which were used to master rocks, tools, plants, animals, and one another. The same toolbox is used today to master the intellectual challenges of modern…