Evolution's Next Move
In the June 2007 issue of BioScience, editor-in-chief Timothy Beardsley highlights the unpopularity of evolution, most recently evident by the public rejection of evolution by three Republican presidential candidates, and the urgent need for biologists to do something about it.
Spotlight on Books: Understanding Creationism after Kitzmiller
(BioScience subscription required)
In the Spring Spotlight on Books in the March 2007 issue of BioScience (Volume 57 Number 3 pp. 278-284) Glenn Branch highlights the many books released between 2005 and the first quarter of 2007 that provide insiders' accounts of the landmark Kitzmiller v. Dover trial, historical background and scientific critiques of the creationism/intelligent design movement, and explorations of theological alternatives to creationism.
Evolution After Dover
In the April 2006 issue of BioScience, Erin Heath reports on the outlook for evolution education following the December 2005 federal court ruling in the Kitzmiller case. Scientists have expressed "cautious optimism" after the major victory for science education in Dover, but the intelligent design movement, though weakened, is not dead. The Washington Watch article details the new anti-evolution legislation around the country that still poses a threat to science education.
Media Coverage of "Intelligent Design"
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The March 2006 issue of BioScience (Volume 56, Number 3, pages 247-252) includes an analysis of news media coverage of the evolution/creationism controversy. In the report, Jason Rosenhouse and Glenn Branch concluded that the quality of the coverage varies widely, depending on the media outlet. Often, reporters with no scientific training are assigned to report on evolution-creationism controversies, which inevitably leads to distortions of the relevant science. A misconceived concern for balance frequently results in equal time being accorded to biologists and creationists, creating the illusion of scientific equivalence. At other times, a clear bias toward creationism is revealed, especially on cable television. Focusing mainly on recent treatments, this article analyzes and critiques specific stories, as well as trends and patterns in coverage in newspapers, magazines, and television; it concludes with suggestions of ways in which scientists can be more effective in dealing with the media.
Exploring Issues in Evolutionary Science and Society
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In a Special Report in the March 2005 issue of BioScience (Volume 55, Number 3, pages 198-200) Oksana Hlodan reports on a symposium held at the 2004 annual meeting of the National Association of Biology Teachers. The symposium --cosponsored by the American Institute of Biological Sciences, Biological Sciences Curriculum Study and National Association of Biology Teachers -- provided biology teachers with the opportunity to interact with panels of leading evolution scholars and science educators.
Intelligent Design's Empty but Explosive Black Box
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In the Special Book Section of the March 2005 BioScience, Barry Palevitz of the University of Georgia's Department of Plant Biology, reviews "Creationism's Trojan Horse: The Wedge of Intelligent Design." Authored by philosopher Barbara Carroll Forest and developmental biologist Paul R. Gross, Creationism's Trojan Horse documents the political strategy driving efforts to introduce or mandate intelligent design/creationism into the public school science curriculum.
More Education for Evolution Teachers
A September 2004 editorial by Robert Gropp references a study published in the same issue that demonstrates that too many educators lack an adequate understanding of the legal framework that protects the teaching of evolution. The editorial encourages university science and education faculty to become more engaged in providing current and future teachers with the information they need to address the evolution issue.
How Well Do Biology Teachers Understand the Legal Issues Associated with the Teaching of Evolution?
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In the September 2004 issue of BioScience (Volume 54 pages 860-865), Dr. Randy Moore presents findings of a survey demonstrating that many science teachers could use additional information about the legal framework governing the teaching of evolutionary science.
The New Creationism and Its Threat to Science Literacy and Education
A January 2004 editorial by Dr. Joel Cracraft explores the relationship between intelligent design/creationism and scientific literacy.
Evolution Activists Organize to Combat Pseudoscience in Public Schools
An August 2003 Washington Watch article considers efforts by local science education advocates to organize to combat state level threats to evolution education.
Controversy Over Evolution Is Not Scientific — It's Political
In a December 2001 editorial, Dr. Judith Weiss signaled a renewed threat to science education.
