The National Academies of Science have produced a very thorough book on science, evolution, and creationism. It’s called, appropriately enough, Science, Evolution, and Creationism. It’s freely available for online reading or downloading. I’d like to highlight a few things from the Frequently Asked Questions.
One question asks what’s wrong with teaching critical thinking or “controversies” with regard to evolution? Part of the answer is:
There is no scientific controversy about the basic facts of evolution. In this sense the intelligent design movement’s call to “teach the controversy” is unwarranted. Of course, there remain many interesting questions about evolution, such as the evolutionary origin of sex or different mechanisms of speciation, and discussion of these questions is fully warranted in science classes. However, arguments that attempt to confuse students by suggesting that there are fundamental weaknesses in the science of evolution are unwarranted based on the overwhelming evidence that supports the theory. Creationist ideas lie outside of the realm of science, and introducing them in science courses has been ruled unconstitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court and other federal courts.
Another question asks whether it would be “fair” to teach creationism along with evolution. Answer:
Different religions hold very different views and teachings about the origins and diversity of life on Earth. Because creationism is based on specific sets of religious convictions, teaching it in science classes would mean imposing a particular religious view on students and thus is unconstitutional, according to several major rulings in federal district courts and the Supreme Court of the United States.
I found the whole book very interesting and thorough. Go read it!
