Evolution is a core concept of biology, and yet many college biology students do not accept evolution because of their religious beliefs. However, we do not currently know how instructors perceive their role in helping students accept evolution or how they address the perceived conflict between religion and evolution when they teach evolution.…

In her 1993 text "Educating For Intelligent Belief and Unbelief," Nel Noddings advocated an ambitious plan to challenge the students; she wished to engage them in a dialogue on the religious issues that define those questions, which "matter deeply to everyone." This was seen as a dialogue that can take place at all levels of education, but was…

Discusses Denton's transformation from biological typologist in 1985 to anti-Darwinian evolutionist in 1998. Argues that Denton is in step with the group of neocreationists whose tenants are denoted by the term "intelligent design". (CCM)

Suggests that modern science actually has roots in pre-Reformation biblical exegesis. Claims that scientists can use the Bible along with the geological record to demonstrate that creationist claims with regard to Earth history are false. (Contains 11 references.) (Author/NB)

Discusses the Scopes trial and other important court decisions associated with the teaching of evolution and creationism in public schools. Suggests that an understanding of these decisions can help teachers answer students' questions about teaching these subjects and also to counter the anti-science attitudes and actions of creationist parents,…

Examines how college-educated adults (n=135) from diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds perceive the impact of evolutionary theory on individuals and society. Identifies a continuum of perspectives ranging from strong creationist to strong evolutionist. Reports differences between evolutionists and creationists in their prior exposure to…

Examines recent creationist legislative strategy against the background of their past antievolution efforts. Indicates that, while the language now used is no longer explicitly religious, the mainspring which continues to drive the creationists' efforts for equal time is their religious commitment to the inerrancy of Scripture as literally…

Investigates beliefs about evolution of students enrolled in an introductory biology course in a Midwest community college. Focuses on the changes in beliefs and their effects on academic achievement and creationist views. (YDS)

Considers: (1) if academics should serve as such witnesses in legal proceedings; (2) who is responsible for the legal strategies used; and (3) what is the witness's responsibility. Includes comments by the author on his experiences in presenting testimony during the Arkansas creationism dispute. (JN)

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)

Describes a study designed to assess students' understanding and acceptance of the credibility of the scientific evidence supporting evolution. Discusses results and implications and offers thoughtful advice to professors on how to ameliorate the divisiveness resulting from this controversy. (DKM)

Discusses the dilemma between evolution and creationism in biology teaching. Explains the position of the Louisiana House Education Committee and presents an example from the Louisiana State University (LSU). (Author/SOE)

Questions why the presentation of evolution in class frequently does not achieve acceptance of evolutionary theory. Suggests using a simple test formulated to try to direct students toward the application of information on evolution to material already familiar to them. Reports positive impact of the questionnaire on student attitudes towards…

Discusses how evolution and natural selection should be taught in the classroom. Presents a study investigating the effects of a nontraditional curriculum including creation stories on student attitudes toward evolution. Reports that a curriculum with creation stories is more effective in fostering scientific views about evolution. (Contains 22…

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.…