Title: Why Teach Evolution? | National Center for Science Education
Headings: Why Teach Evolution?
Why Teach Evolution?
What is biological evolution?
What about macroevolution?
Why is evolution mandated in science education standards?
Isn’t evolution only a theory?
Why are no other theories required in the science education standards?
What about other scientific "theories of origins?"
Isn’t evolution controversial?
What about dissenting scientists?
What about critical thinking?

Content: The terms "theories of origins" and "origins science" are religious ideas that reflect an interventionist theology held by some Christian denominations. u000bu000b
Isn’t evolution controversial? u000bu000b
Biological evolution is a scientifically settled theory. Among scientists, this means that its fundamental principle —the shared ancestry of living organisms —has overcome all scientific challenges. However, the general public is uncomfortable with evolution because of what some people perceive as the moral, or cultural implications of evolution. In most cases, this discomfort results from a poor understanding of evolutionary theory and how it is applied in the sciences. Scientific controversies are resolved by careful scientific inquiry, but moral and political dilemmas can never be resolved only by scientific inquiry. These dilemmas can also never be resolved by ignorance, so it is especially important for students to have a complete and accurate understanding of the contemporary theory of biological evolution. u000bu000b
What about dissenting scientists? u000bu000b
In the past few years, a statement has circulated supposedly expressing new skepticism about evolution: "