Although many people erroneously believe that creationism is a thing of the past, it still negatively affects the teaching of science in the United States today. Even though creation science and intelligent design have been defeated in courts, proponents present both as "alternatives" to evolution. Leaders of the antievolution movement, however, have shifted their emphasis to a different approach that is intended both to avoid successful legal challenges and also appeal to American cultural values. This "evidence against evolution" approach arises from both the Supreme Court legal decision striking down the teaching of creation science, and a Senator's attempt to modify the 2001 No Child Left behind education act. It currently takes the form of proposed legislation to protect from legal action teachers who wish to teach alleged “weaknesses of evolution”, or proposed changes to state science education standards encouraging the “critical analysis” (i.e., criticism) of evolution as a student critical thinking exercise. These approaches are far less obvious examples of religious advocacy, and are believed to therefore be able to withstand constitutional challenge.

A talk for the
Tallahassee Scientific Society
co-sponsored by the
Florida State University Department of Biology
Seating is limited for this free event.

Cash bar reception begins at 6PM.

In working on the front lines of the creation/evolution fight, NCSE's Josh Rosenau has found that creationist arguments rely on widespread misconceptions about science and about evolution in particular. Just as parasites exploit weaknesses to gain access to new hosts, creationist ideas spread by preying on these misconceptions. By clearing up those misconceptions, we can help prevent those bad ideas from spreading.

NCSE's Josh Rosenau will deliver the All-Academy Lecture at the Ohio Academy of Science annual meeting. Taking inspiration from Dobzhansky's maxim that "Nothing in biology makes sense except in the light of evolution," Rosenau will explore the ways in which evolution underpins modern science. From agriculture and medicine to computer science and astronautics, evolution is crucial to working scientists and to an informed citizenry. The spate of creationist legislation in recent years and continuing attempts to undermine evolution classroom by classroom continue to threaten the ability of the United States to effectively compete in the world economy of the 21st century. Today's teachers must be aware of these threats and how to address them, even as they give tomorrow's teachers the knowledge they need to prepare our children and grandchildren for the new century.

Rosenau and Newton will share their experiences at the nation's only organization dedicated to defending evolution against creationist attacks in public schools. Rosenau, a biologist, and Newton, a geologist, will describe how creationist attacks have changed since the failure of intelligent design creationism in a Dover, PA courtroom in 2005. They will describe new anti-evolution laws being introduced across the nation, the impact of Texas' new requirement that textbooks include creationist claims, and the growing nexus between global warming denial and anti-evolutionism.

Twenty four lucky members will raft the full length of the canyon from Marble Canyon to South Cove, experiencing one of the most beautiful and majestic natural features on the planet.

Of course, as Eugenie Scott, NCSE's executive director, will inform the rafters, the whole Colorado plateau was laid down by the receding waters of Noah's Flood about 4,300 years ago, and the Grand Canyon itself was gouged catastrophically in a matter of days. Geologist Alan "Gish" Gishlick, Gustavus Adolphus College, will present the standard geological history of Grand Canyon to the rafters — and "they can make up their own minds."

NCSE's "Creation/Evolution Grand Canyon Raft Trip" is a wonderful way to learn about the creationism/evolution controversy in a fabulous natural setting.

The 2009 trip sold out early.
Make reservations now for 2010!

A panel at the Council for Secular Humanism’s 30th Anniversary Conference.

What is the universe made of? Why did dinosaurs go extinct? What do magic tricks and hip-hop have to with math? What can amphibians and reptiles tell us about the environment? What do engineers have to do with baseball? Find out at the first ever USA Science & Engineering Festival Expo on the National Mall. NCSE is an Expo Partner and will have a table there.

Explore science & engineering with hundreds of free, hands-on activities and over 40 science shows on three different stages. The two-day Expo is perfect for teens, children and their families, and anyone with a curious mind who is looking for a weekend of fun and discovery.

Build an underwater robot, chat with a Nobel Laureate, explore the science behind the magic of Hogwarts Academy and see a car that drives itself. From bugs to birds, kitchen chemistry to computer games, environmental monitoring to electronic music – the Expo has something for everyone and is completely free of charge.

The Expo is the pinnacle event of the inaugural USA Science & Engineering Festival to be held in the greater Washington D.C. area October 10-24, 2010. The USA Science & Engineering Festival is a collaboration of over 500 of the nation’s leading science and engineering organizations.