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)

Examines "creation-science" under First Amendment's Establishment Clause, focusing on whether creationist claims were developed through scientific discourse or prepared to advance religious conclusions. Considers whether religious criteria govern selection/organization/interpretation of data and if body of information is intended to encourage…

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…

Presents and analyzes a bill modeled after Arkansas 590 (balanced treatment of creationism/evolution). Cites wording from the original bill and modifications in the new bill. Indicates that most of the substantial differences are found in the "Definitions" section. (JN)

Updates information pertaining to the ongoing court case in Arkansas in which the American Civil Liberties Union contends that the "Balanced Treatment for Creation-Science and Evolution-Science Act" is unconstitutional. Summarizes issues from both sides. (DC)

Presents the results of surveys that use new technologies and procedures to provide a more accurate picture of how people feel about racially charged issues. The results suggest deep divisions and surprising agreement on many of these issues. Argues that, distrust and dislike of affirmative action is widespread even among liberals. (MJP)

Explores issues involved in teaching literature that may use derogatory racial terms to a multicultural class. Ways to approach racially insensitive literature or language in worthwhile literature that may appear insensitive are discussed. Open discussion and respect for students' opinions are essential. (SLD)

Argues that in an attempt to avoid presenting religion in a manner that might be considered controversial or offensive many textbook publishers have watered down their coverage to the point of misrepresentation. Examines several texts' treatment of significant religious subjects. (MJP)

Outlines the components of a teaching model on race that focuses on white privilege, white supremacy, and the ideology that upholds them. Recommends addressing issues of class privilege and power as a way to help white students understand this without alienating them. Discusses classroom preparation and teaching strategies. (MJP)

Background information, techniques used, and details of the issues involved in the controversial issue of fetal cell transplantation are discussed. Questions for use in class discussion are provided. Suggestions for beginning a discussion are provided with accompanying questions. (CW)

The development of the Science/Society/Technology (STS) movement in the United States is reviewed. The basic philosophy of STS instruction is discussed. Traditional instruction is compared to STS instruction. Suggestions for making STS instruction more effective are provided. (CW)

Calls for more and better teaching about the Vietnam War in secondary schools and colleges. Offers approaches to teaching about the War and presents questions designed to stimulate students' thinking. Describes the use of simulations. States that the discussion of controversial issues makes class more stimulating for both student and teacher. (KO)

Neutrality is of questionable relevance in teaching social issues related to racial or sex discrimination. Because these essentially moral issues are relevant to everyone, a teacher should be committed to fundamental values of justice, fairness, and respect for others. Teaching methods include development of cognitive and affective qualities and…

Describes programs sponsored by the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) to promote civic participation. The programs are National Issues Forums (NIF) in the Classroom; Jefferson Meetings; Great Decisions; Public Issues Series; and C-SPAN in the Classroom. (SLM)