Source+Nine

http://www.nationalacademies.org/evolution/ APPRECIATION NOW?

1**The ideas of Charles Darwin and the concept of evolution by natural selection continue to have a profound influence on modern biology – they permeate almost every area of scientific exploration.**

2 **The Academies have long been involved in educational activities and publications on many aspects of evolution. For example, in 2008 the National Academy of Sciences and the Institute of Medicine jointly published Science, Evolution, and Creationism, to help people who are interested in evolution better understand its underlying principles and how evolution is an integral component of scientific research and thinking.**

3 **In 2009 the National Academy of Sciences joined many other organizations in the international scientific community to celebrate the 'Year of Science,' which commemorated Darwin’s 200th birthday and the 150th anniversary of the publication of his masterwork //On the Origin of Species//**

4 **One of the largest events was the USA Science & Engineering Festival, which took place October 10 through 24 and culminated with a two-day expo on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The Academies were a partner organizer of the festival, which featured over 1,500 exhibits and hands-on experiments along with a wide range of stage performances.**

5 //**Many scientific theories are so well-established that no new evidence is likely to alter them substantially. For example, no new evidence will demonstrate that the Earth does not orbit around the sun (heliocentric theory), or that living things are not made of cells (cell theory), that matter is not composed of atoms, or that the surface of the Earth is not divided into solid plates that have moved over geological timescales (the theory of plate tectonics). Like these other foundational scientific theories, the theory of evolution is supported by so many observations and confirming experiments that scientists are confident that the basic components of the theory will not be overturned by new evidence. However, like all scientific theories, the theory of evolution is subject to continuing refinement as new areas of science emerge or as new technologies enable observations and experiments that were not possible previously.**//

6 **The pressure to downplay evolution or emphasize nonscientific alternatives in public schools compromises science education.**

7 **Despite the lack of scientific evidence for creationist positions, some advocates continue to demand that various forms of creationism be taught together with or in place of evolution in science classes.**

8 //**Many teachers are under considerable pressure from policy makers, school administrators, parents, and students to downplay or eliminate the teaching of evolution. As a result, many U.S. students lack access to information and ideas that are both integral to modern science and essential for making informed, evidence-based decisions about their own lives and our collective future.**//

9 **all students need a sound education in science**

10 **Given the importance of science in all aspects of modern life, the science curriculum should not be undermined with nonscientific material. Teaching creationist ideas in science classes confuses what constitutes science and what does not. It compromises the objectives of public education and the goal of a high-quality science education.**

11**The science based contingent having a firm and rooted belief that the universe is comprised solely of the physical- strings, particles, energy, and the stuff of the big bang or before combining coincidentally into the shape and life we are experiencing today. The spiritual team rejecting the idea of an unguided universe and believing that every jot and tittle is part of the master plan created and controlled by HIM.**

12 **atheist/agnostics were more opinionated.**

13 **The issue at hand is how does one's origins belief system affect his or her support of human advancement technologies.**

14The argument is whether it is
 * • Science-based, or**
 * • Spritual-based.**

15 **One's belief in a higher power does not always preclude the notion of 'nature' taking its course, the evolutionary process, and the basics of modern physics.**