Post by Watchman on Jun 24, 2006 12:07:25 GMT -5
By Sarah Cassidy
The world’s scientific community united yesterday to launch one of the strongest attacks yet on creationism, warning that the origins of life were being “concealed, denied or confused”.
The national science academies of 67 countries warned parents and teachers to ensure that they did not undermine the teaching of evolution or allow children to be taught that the world was created in six days.
Some schools in the US hold that evolution is merely a theory while the Bible represents the literal truth. There have also been fears that these views are creeping into British schools.
The statement, which the Royal Society signed on behalf of Britain’s scientists, said: “We urge decision-makers, teachers and parents to educate all children about the methods and discoveries of science and foster an understanding of the science of nature. Knowledge of the natural world in which they live empowers people to meet human needs and protect the planet.
“Within science courses taught in certain public systems of education, scientific evidence, data, and testable theories about the origins and evolution of life on Earth are being concealed, denied, or confused with theories not testable by science.”
The statement followed a long-running row over claims that some of Tony Blair’s flagship city academies teach creationism in science lessons. Schools in the North-east backed by one academy sponsor, Sir Peter Vardy, have been accused of promoting creationism alongside evolution. The schools have denied the claims and insisted they abide by the national curriculum.
Academics in the US have voiced concern over similar theories being taught in some American schools.
© 2006 Independent News and Media (NI)
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