The National Academies through its hat into the fight over teaching evolution in schools with the creation of an evolution resources website. The website provides information and link to various texts, studies and statements in favor of evolution.
The battle over teaching evolution in schools remains a hot button issue across the country and has for decades, dating back to the Scopes Monkey Trial in Tennessee, which pitted legendary politician and orator William Jennings Bryan versus renowned attorney Clarence Darrow.
A letter posted on the website from the president of the National Academy of Sciences, Bruce Alberts back in March outlined the points of the site and the current plan to help teachers deal with the relentless attacks Charles Darwin’s observations well over a century ago.
He wrote the letter “because of a growing threat to the teaching of science through the inclusion of non-scientifically based “alternatives” in science courses throughout the country.”
He went on to mention the 40+ cases challenging evolution or requiring Intelligent Design to receive equal time beside evolution. The most recent battle is happening in Kansas as the state school board debates once again on whether or not to include evolution in its science texts.
Some school systems have gone so far as to include disclaimer stickers in textbooks discounting evolution and at the very least listing it as one of several possibilities. A Georgia federal judge slapped that down but according to Alberts’ letter, a number of teachers and school systems have been quietly told to slide evolution out of their lectures.
He pointed out, mentioning various news reports from different states, that many states are giving serious examination to removing evolution entirely from their lessons.
The National Academy of Science is the leader and premier institution of science in the United States. Much of their recent pro-evolution effort comes from these recent onslaughts by various groups to have various non-fact-based alternatives into science discussion.
The battle over teaching evolution in schools remains a hot button issue across the country and has for decades, dating back to the Scopes Monkey Trial in Tennessee, which pitted legendary politician and orator William Jennings Bryan versus renowned attorney Clarence Darrow.
A letter posted on the website from the president of the National Academy of Sciences, Bruce Alberts back in March outlined the points of the site and the current plan to help teachers deal with the relentless attacks Charles Darwin’s observations well over a century ago.
He wrote the letter “because of a growing threat to the teaching of science through the inclusion of non-scientifically based “alternatives” in science courses throughout the country.”
He went on to mention the 40+ cases challenging evolution or requiring Intelligent Design to receive equal time beside evolution. The most recent battle is happening in Kansas as the state school board debates once again on whether or not to include evolution in its science texts.
Some school systems have gone so far as to include disclaimer stickers in textbooks discounting evolution and at the very least listing it as one of several possibilities. A Georgia federal judge slapped that down but according to Alberts’ letter, a number of teachers and school systems have been quietly told to slide evolution out of their lectures.
He pointed out, mentioning various news reports from different states, that many states are giving serious examination to removing evolution entirely from their lessons.
The National Academy of Science is the leader and premier institution of science in the United States. Much of their recent pro-evolution effort comes from these recent onslaughts by various groups to have various non-fact-based alternatives into science discussion.
John Stith is a staff writer for Murdok covering technology and business.
