Evolution is the foundation of modern biology yet it generates more controversy in the U.S. public school system than almost any other subject.  Why is evolution so controversial? The short answer is that many people believe that evolution threatens their religion, and are reluctant to have their children learn about it in school.  These beliefs touch people’s core values and must be addressed with sensitivity and respect.

When controversies arise, it helps to understand the thinking behind objections to evolution as well the official positions of religious, scientific and educational organizations.  Resources that address both religious and scientific aspects of the issue will be most helpful.  Remember that the more heated the controversy, the more students suffer, and that everyone has their children’s best interests at heart. Local and national organizations stand ready to help if outside assistance is desirable.

• What are the religious reservations about evolution?
• How do religious groups and individuals view evolution?
• What do scientific and educational organizations say about evolution?
• What is the evolution “controversy?”
• What is intelligent design?
• What resources are available to help districts address concerns about evolution?
• How does the evolution issue impact K-12 science education?
• How have other districts addressed controversies about teaching evolution?
• What national organizations offer assistance when evolution issues arise?

What are the religious reservations about evolution?

• Beliefnet’s exploration of how different faiths look at evolution

 How do religious groups and individuals view evolution?

• Statements about evolution from an array of religious organizations. 
• A statement about evolution and religion signed by more than 10,000 clergy members.
• Henry Green, pastor of the Heritage Baptist Church in Anapolis, MD, describes how he reconciles science with his religious beliefs. [VIDEO] 

What do scientific and educational organizations say about evolution?

• Statements about evolution from scientific organizations.
• Statements about evolution from educational organizations.

What is the evolution “controversy?”

• A history of the issue from the American Museum of Natural History.

What is intelligent design?

• Q and A about evolution and intelligent design from the AAAS web site 

How does the evolution issue impact K-12 science education?

• Project 2061’s teaching guide for evolution.
• More resources on evolution education and research from the National Academies of Sciences.
• A study by professors at the University of Minnesota found that how college students view evolution did not differ between biology majors and non-majors. Rather, how science is taught in high school was the most significant factor influencing these views.
• After Louisiana passed legislation in 2008 allowing science teachers to include supplementary materials challenging evolution the Louisiana Coalition for Science issued this press release detailing how the legislation undermines science education. 

What resources are available to help districts address concerns about evolution?

• Information about AAAS’s publication The Evolution Dialogues, a book that explores the historical relationship between evolution and Christianity, and demonstrates that Christianity and evolution do not have to be incompatible. 

• A summary brochure of the National Academies of Science’s publication Science, Evolution, and Christianity, a resource that explores the nature of science, reviews the evidence for the origin of the universe and earth, and explains the current scientific understanding of biological evolution
• A panel discussion that addresses an array of questions about evolution and religion.

• A PowerPoint presentation and script based on a AAAS publication called The Evolution Dialogues that explores the relationship between evolution and Christianity

How have other districts addressed controversies about teaching evolution?

• A 1996 article about a California school board’s approach to teaching evolution.
• A 2000 article about a West Virginia board’s response to community concerns about evolution.
• Information about the 2006 Dover, PA trial that addressed the issue of “intelligent design” from NOVA.
• A 2008 article about a Florida school board’s response to the addition of evolution to the Florida state science standards.
• A school district in Indiana addresses a student petition to include “creation science” in the science curriculum.

What national organizations offer assistance when evolution issues arise?

• AAAS
• NSTA
• The National Center for Science Education