The range, complexity, and rapid increase of controversial knowledge about human genetics require that students be taught the biomedical facts and ethical dilemmas. Human genetics education thus provides an excellent opportunity for increasing scientific literacy generally. (PB)

Taking a graduate-level course on family living and human sexuality resulted in increased knowledge for participating teachers, although no changes in overall attitudes were evident. A major finding of a study evaluating course effects was that older teachers tended to be less permissive on controversial issues. (Author/PP)

Discusses the basic issue between biology and the religious right, focusing on the strategies creationists use. Proposes formation of a symposium on the relationship between science, religious beliefs, and politics, outlining purposes of such a symposium and questions which might be addressed. (JN)

Problems related to multicultural education programs are cited. A model of ambivalent social exchange is presented that: (1) uses components of cultural pluralism while avoiding separatism; and (2) enhances understanding of culture, as represented by various social groups, so that individuals can choose values which allow personal fulfillment. (PP)

Examines creationism/evolution debate in context of philosophy using ontological models in which reality is assigned to one or both natural or transnatural (supernatural) realms. The six models (theistic-teleological dualism; deistic-mechanistic dualism; fundamentalist creationism; atheistic monism; theistic monism; mechanistic monism) deal with…

Points out that the most basic of creationist attacks of geology, their claim that uniformitarianism is an unreliable basis for interpreting the past, fail because the uniformitarianism they describe is no longer a part of geology. Indicates that modern uniformitarianism is merely the philosophical principle of simplicity. (Author/JN)

Thomas G. Barnes, geologist/creationist, argues that the geomagnetic field was created by unknown processes when earth was created and has been decaying (irreversibly/exponentially) with a half-life of about 1,400 years since then. Shows that Barnes' proposition is wrong and explains why the earth's age cannot be determined from magnetic-field…

The relationships among sex education, values education, and adolescent decision making are explored, and responsibilities of schools in these areas are projected. Examples of school programs that include the teaching of values in sex education are given along with suggestions for parent-school cooperation. (PP)

Current practices in programs that prepare teachers of sex education were surveyed. Of 322 institutions responding, 30 percent offered courses specifically designed for that purpose. However, most courses were broad and unfocused, indicating a lack of consensus about what sex education courses should cover. (PP)

Educators find themselves accused of teaching students the religion/philosophy of secular humanism. Considering the size and potential of the secular humanism controversy, it is most important that educators understand what they are being accused of teaching. Academic freedom is at stake. (Author/RC)

Presents the full text of Arkansas Act 590 (1981) requiring balanced treatment of creationism and evolution in public schools of this state. Includes, among others, requirements for balanced treatment, prohibition against religious instruction, requirements for nondiscrimination, definitions of "creation-science" and…

Examines proposition that creationism is legitimate science, including philosophical basis of that claim and methods used to discredit contemporary scientific thought. Discusses creationist's arguments against scientific findings related to second law of thermodynamics, improbability of evolution, earth's age, geological record, fossil transitions…

A science teacher relates his feelings as he discussed modern warfare with his sixth-grade students. The students' reactions to moral questions and issues behind civil defense procedures and radioactivity are also discussed. (FG)

Reviews the major points of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) challenge to the Arkansas bill "Unbiased Presentation of Creation Science and Evolution Science Bill." (SK)

Analyzes the current evolution/creationism controversy by reviewing court cases and what scientists and educators are doing to prevent creationism from being taught as science or included in school curricula. Includes viewpoints of scientists, educators, and creationists. (JN)