Prize-winning scientist and bestselling author James Trefil explains why every U.S. citizen needs to be "scientifically literate" and, therefore, why schools must teach the fundamental principles of scientific literacy to every student. He lays out those principles straightforwardly, so that educators--and everyone who is interested in…

Presents insights on the controversial issues regarding evolution. This article partitions into the following sections: (1) Mechanisms explaining how evolution happened; (2) Creationist Confusion; (3) Literal Interpretation of the Bible; (4) Public demand for Creationism; (5) No Basis for Debating; and (6) Scientific Creationism is Bible Study.…

Examines growing literature of paranormal phenomena and other areas of investigation that are in conflict with mainstream science, and considers reasons for this growth and similarities which link these areas together within realm of pseudoscience. The dilemma librarians face in dealing with pseudoscientific materials is considered. Forty-nine…

Examines Texas adoption process, described by author as having an inordinate impact on textbook market. Creationist opposition to evolution content in biological textbooks is well organized. Author presents 10 arguments made at hearing by creationists that he describes as a monument to scientific illiteracy. Asserts that creationists' confusion of…

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.…

Examines various aspects of and issues related to falsifiability, a standard criterion for identifying true scientific systems. Also proposes a simple new standard for evaluating a scientific theory. (JN)

A nine-item questionnaire was used to survey 2,387 Ohio State University students in 10 courses about their views on the creation/evolution controversy, especially their acceptance of the concept of Darwinian evolution and on the concept of equal time for "creation science." Results and implications for biology education are presented.…

This edition of Science and Creationism summarizes key aspects of several of the most important lines of evidence supporting evolution. It describes some of the positions taken by advocates of creation science and presents an analysis of these claims. This document lays out for a broader audience the case against presenting religious concepts in…

Discusses incidents of brush-ins with student proponents of the theory of creation science. Provides and answers eight questions typical of both the misinformation spread in creation science literature and the lack of research done by students. (MVL)

The rhetorical abuse of language by creationists is discussed. Suggestions for how to expose such abuses in a discussion or debate format are provided. (CW)

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…

Suggests ways for Catholic educators to teach about evolution; e.g., present evolution as widely accepted; note wide belief in God's creation of the world; do not present science and faith as mutually exclusive; present evolution as theory; and present both the evidence supporting and the problems accompanying evolutionary theory. (DMM)

Presented is an analysis of creationist styles of presentation from the viewpoint of a student of folklore. Folklore themes, and formulaic utterances are discussed. The roles of language development and culture are stressed. (CW)

Describes the use of a creationist-derived lesson plan in a nonmajor zoology class to demonstrate students' grasp of scientific concepts and principles. (WRM)