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Keep creationism out of school, say scientists
by Pat Ashworth
 Scientific? an animatronic 40-foot long sauropod dinosaur overlooks the main hall at the Creation Museum in Kentucky |
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CREATIONISM is not science and does not belong in the science classroom, says a book, Science, Evolution and Creationism, newly published by the National Academy of Sciences and the Institute of Medicine in the United States. The book gives an up-to-date view of the scientific understanding of evolution and its place in the classroom. “Although evolution provides credible and reliable answers, polls show that many people turn away from science, seeking other explanations with which they are more comfortable,” say the authors. The book explains the fundamental methods of science, documents the biological evidence in support of evolution, and evaluates the alternative perspectives offered by advocates of various forms of creationism, including “intelligent design”. It presents the scientific and legal reasons for not teaching creationist ideas in school science classes. “Regrettably, effective science education in our schools is being undermined by efforts to introduce non-scientific concepts about evolution,” say the authors. “Teaching non-scientific concepts in science classes will only confuse students about the processes, nature and limits of science.” Science and religion address separate aspects of human experience, the authors argue. “Many scientists have written eloquently about how their scientific studies of biological evolution have enhanced rather than lessened their religious faith,” they say. “And many religious people and denominations accept the scientific evidence for evolution.” The authors conclude: “Our education system, and our society as a whole, are best served when we teach science, not religious faith, in science classrooms.” The book is published in a climate of court cases where school boards have demanded the right to teach creationism, and where the establishment of a $27 million Creation Museum in Kentucky is designed to convince sceptics that the book of Genesis is literally true, and its account of creation is scientifically defensible (News, 8 June 2007). Dinosaurs are asserted to have co-existed on an earth only 6000 years ago. Respondents to a recent national survey in the US said they were more interested in hearing about evolution from scientists, science teachers, and clerics than from court cases or celebrities.Should the creationist viewpoint be taught in science lessons? Vote here |
