One source of confusion about the status of the science or theory of evolution stems from the difference between the "everyday" meaning of the word "theory" and the scientific meaning the word.

Below we list some common misconceptions about the term "theory" and describe a classroom activity that can help students rethink their understanding of this term.

Misconception 1 "Evolution is 'just a theory'".

Misconception 2 "Theories become facts when they are well supported and/or proven."

"Intelligent Design" creationism (IDC) is a successor to the "creation science" movement, which dates back to the 1960s. The IDC movement began in the middle 1980s as an antievolution movement which could include young earth, old earth, and progressive creationists; theistic evolutionists, however, were not welcome.

Varieties of Creationism

Organized opposition to the teaching of evolution began in the 1920s and continues to the present, although scientific debate about common descent of all living things was over by the 1880s. As discussed in this article by Eugenie C. Scott, there are many varieties of creationism which reject evolution.

Meet the Steves

As of October 19, 2009, 1118 Steves have signed the statement. Will you be the next Steve?

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Stephen T. Abedon
Associate Professor of Microbiology, Ohio State University
Ph.D., Microbiology, University of Arizona
Creator of The Bacteriophage Ecology Group, Home of Phage Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (www.phage.org)

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Steve Abel******

by Mary Lou Mendum