Evolution [electronic resource] : Creation Teaching on Trial: Implications for Educators / Franklin Parker.
This paper traces the past and recent controversy concerning the teaching of evolution/creation in the schools. The first section of the paper discusses the opposition of Christian fundamentalists to evolution, going back to Charles Darwin's 1859 "Origin of Species." Covered also are...
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| Format: | Electronic eBook |
| Language: | English |
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1982.
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| Summary: | This paper traces the past and recent controversy concerning the teaching of evolution/creation in the schools. The first section of the paper discusses the opposition of Christian fundamentalists to evolution, going back to Charles Darwin's 1859 "Origin of Species." Covered also are science curriculum revisions following Sputnik, up to the 1981 adoption of equal time laws in Arkansas and Louisiana. In this section the January 5, 1982, ruling of Federal District Judge William R. Overton, declaring Arkansas's 1981 equal time Evolution/Creation teach law unconstitutional, is analyzed. The second section of the paper summarizes anti-creationist arguments by scientists and others. One argument is that creationists use subterfuge to supplant evolution with state-enforced Biblical teaching. The paper concludes with suggestions to educators on how to counter the arguments and actions of creationists. Arguing that the creationist effort is really a political rather than a scientific issue, the author suggests that educators need to resist lawmakers' efforts to dictate curriculum, to have ready access to the legal directives guiding state and local school unit teaching about religious or other controversial subjects, and to organize an active procedures committee for the purpose of dealing with political pressures on the curriculum. A list of professional organizations that have spoken out on the evolution/creation controversy is included. (NE) |
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| Item Description: | ERIC Note: For a related document, see ED 207 904. Educational level discussed: Elementary Secondary Education. |
| Physical Description: | 32 p. |