The NAS says teachers are reluctant to teach evolution because of pressures from special groups to play down or eliminated it as part of the science curriculum. Some of these groups advocate that creationism be taught in public schools, even though the Supreme Court ruled in 1987 that creationism is a religious idea that cannot be mandated in public schools. The guidebook, Teaching About Evolution and the Nature of Science, provides educators and policy makers with tools to help integrate lessons about the scientific theory with basic biology for children in kindergarten through grade 12.
Evolution is the central organizing principle that biologists use to understand the world.
The book does not attempt to refute the ideas of those who oppose the teaching of evolution. Rather, it points out that most religious denominations in the United States do not view evolution as being at odds with their understanding of human origins. Science teachers can use the new publication in conjunction with the National Science Education Standards, which stress the importance of evolution because understanding the theory is essential to mastering basic biology and learning how science works. Teaching About Evolution and the Nature of Science also provides criteria for evaluating school science programs and the content and design of instructional materials. The site is part of the Embrace Space campaign, an ongoing educational effort designed to encourage students of all ages, teachers, parents, and the general public to share in the adventure of space and nurture interest in science, mathematics, and technology.