Creationist Teaching in School Science: a UK perspective

The creation/evolution controversy in UK schools made headlines in the national press, on TV, and radio in 2002 and again in 2008, resulting in the resignation of the Director of Education at the Royal Society. Claims were made that creationism was being taught in schools. This article looks at the impact this controversy had on the UK government and how creationism is trying to gain ground in UK state schools by introducing students to Intelligent Design through promotional DVDs. Student attitude surveys eliciting views toward science and religion are examined. Concern is also expressed at how the teaching of evolution through standard textbooks may not deliver a persuasive case for evolutionary theory. The article concludes with a number of implications for researchers, teachers, and schools. A proposal is also made to solve the issue of how teachers should address creationism if it is brought up by students in science classes.