By NCSE - NCSE.COM
Added: Mon, 20 Dec 2010 12:19:20 UTC

Those crafty creationists just won't let up. Since they can't get their way in the courts or state legislatures, their new tactic is to attack the curriculum itself, from science standards to textbooks, forcing teachers to teach science the creationist way.

In Texas, for example, a creo-dominated board of education in 2009 successfully shoehorned creationist language into the life and earth sciences standards. "Having students 'analyze and evaluate all sides of scientific evidence' is code that gives creationists a green light to attack biology textbooks," said Josh Rosenau, NCSE Programs and Policy Director.

But the board didn't stop there. In March of 2010, the board turned on Texas social studies standards, booting Thurgood Marshall out of the history books and inserting Phyllis Schlafly. "We are adding balance," said board chairman Dr. Don McLeroy.

Echoing language from the evolution vs. creationism wars, South Dakota passed a resolution encouraging teachers to present "a balanced and objective" view of global warming.

In Louisiana, creationists waving the banner of the 2008 Science Education Act almost derailed the adoption of nearly two dozen high school biology textbooks that, in the words of one creationist, "devoted too much time to evolutionary theory and none to intelligent design".

In short, it was a busy year.

Here's the National Center for Science Education's list of the ten hottest evolution stories of the year:

1. Louisiana biology textbooks under siege Attacks orchestrated by The Louisiana Family Forum nearly upended the adoption of biology textbooks that (gasp) didn't talk about intelligent design. But the textbook subcommittee and the full board of education overwhelmingly approved the books.

Biology textbooks approved in Louisiana

Expert contact: Josh Rosenau

2. Gov backs Kentucky creationism theme park A theme park complete with a replica of Noah's Ark and the Tower of Babel? A park backed by state funds? Believe it.

Creationism theme park controversy continues

Expert contact: Josh Rosenau

3. Teacher makes an impression John Freshwater, an Ohio middle school science teacher, was accused of displaying Biblical posters, branding crosses on the arms of his students, and teaching creationism. One family sued; the school district is out $475,000; Freshwater may soon be out of a job.

Settlement in Freshwater case final

Expert contact: Glenn Branch

4. Don McLeroy booted off Texas board of education During his heyday as board chairman, McLeroy (an avowed creationist) made news during a hearing by crying out "Somebody's got to stand up to experts!". The voters thought otherwise and McLeroy lost his re-election bid.

McLeroy booted in Texas

Expert contacts: Josh Rosenau, Genie Scott

5. UC vs. Christian high schools The University of California refused to give credits for high school biology classes that relied on creationist textbooks such as Biology: God's Living Creation. Several Christian schools sued, but the Supreme Court let stand a ruling supporting UC's policies.

Victory again in California creationism case

Expert contact: Glenn Branch

6. Anti-evolution bills DOA Anti-evolution bills were proposed in Arkansas, Missouri, Kentucky, South Carolina, and Mississippi. The Kentucky bill was typical, "help[ing] students understand, analyze, critique, and review scientific theories in an objective manner, including but not limited to the study of evolution, the origins of life, global warming, and human cloning." All died in committee.

Expert contacts: Josh Rosenau, Steve Newton

Read on

TAGGED: CREATIONISM, EVOLUTION