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Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions.
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I think as SCIENCE Centers and Museums the best stance to take is to
simply state that we discuss SCIENCE, not theology. Evolution is a
proven SCIENCE and I think the majority of the public often confuse the
"theory" of evolution (how species evolve) with the "fact" of evolution
(species DO evolve). They also don't understand what the word "theory"
means (e.g. it's heavily supported with evidence and routinely
withstands tests until falsified). As SCIENCE centers and museums, it's
our duty to present SCIENCE to the public. The public should understand
that when visiting a SCIENCE center, they will be surrounded by SCIENCE
just as someone visiting a church will be surrounded by religion.
Creationism or Intelligent Design (same thing, different name) is not a
science because it cannot be tested. Simply put, it's a theological
idea that has no place in the scientific community.
Tim Scott
Timothy W. Scott
Director of Exhibits
Nauticus, The National Maritime Center
One Waterside Drive
Norfolk, VA 23510
(w) 757-627-3823 ext. 37
(c) 757-635-2936
(f) 757-627-3827
-----Original Message-----
From: Informal Science Education Network
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Sara De Angelis
Sent: Monday, July 13, 2009 1:31 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Creation versus Evolution
ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology
Centers Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related
institutions.
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*****
Hi All,
I've been following this morning thread eagerly.
I'm wondering how many organizations out there have adopted a specific
policy statement or formal stance with respect to evolution. I know
I've seen a lot of discussion around this topic. (In searching through
this listserv's archives I can't seem to find peoples commentary on the
pro's and con's of having an institutional stance.) We're in the
planning stages for a new exhibition and I'm anticipating that having an
institutionally agreed upon framework for answering questions that may
come up may prove quite useful. Anyone care to share their policy and
or guidance either on list or off.
Thanks,
Sara
Sara DeAngelis
Senior Exhibit Developer
Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose
180 Woz Way
San Jose, CA 95110
*
p: 408-298-5437 x285
f: 408-298-6826
e: [log in to unmask]
On Jul 13, 2009, at 9:32 AM, martin weiss wrote:
> ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology
> Centers Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and
> related institutions.
> **********************************************************************
> *******
>
> On Jul 13, 2009, at 11:55 AM, Jack W Cannon wrote:
>
>> ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology
>> Centers Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and
>> related institutions.
>> *********************************************************************
>> ********
>>
>> Stephan,
>>
>> Thank you for the response.
>>
>> He did not call it science. Nor did he try to affect political or
>> education leaders into making laws and policies. He never said
>> that he was teaching, although the event was billed as a seminar.
>> He even stated in a private conversation that he was preaching.
>>
>> He did emphasize his claimed doctorate in anatomy and neurobiology.
>>
>> I did not make any attempt to debate him. I was well aware that he
>> would have an appropriate response regardless of any point that I
>> would try to make. Otherwise he would not be in the position that he
>> occupied. I realized this years ago when the tobacco companies would
>> send their con men around to spread their junk science. I studied
>> their positions and knew their responses from the mistakes that
>> others made. On the very first time that I accepted an invitation to
>> debate one of them, I was prepared. The tobacco industry
>> propagandist became completely frustrated and got up and walked out
>> of the studio leaving me alone to respond to the call- ins from the
>> listeners. After that they would always find an excuse to cancel
>> when my name was mentioned to them. I accomplished this only by
>> seriously studying their tactics to the point that I knew every word
>> that was going to come out of their mouth.
>>
>> I did take the opportunity to ask a very innocent sounding question
>> and he had no choice but to take the bait. I even heard some
>> audience snickers when he did.
>>
>> I am not convinced that he actually believes the material that he
>> presents. I think that he is a professional con man that has found a
>> market opportunity for his particular message and is simply
>> responding to the demand that presents itself from well-meaning
>> parishioners.
>
> Con men usually gain something eg money, influence etc. What was he
> getting out of it especially if you feel he did not believe in what he
> was preaching? Did the church pay him to speak?
>
> He sounds like an interesting cultural phenomenon and is somewhat
> benign however people like the Creation Museum in Lexington, Kentucky
> and the recent efforts in Texas are not so benign. They seem the real
> danger.
>
> Martin
>>
>> Jack Cannon
>
> ______________________________
> ______________________________
> Martin Weiss, PhD
> Science Interpretation Consultant
> New York Hall of Science
> mweiss at nyscience dot org
>
> **********************************************************************
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>
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For information about the Association of Science-Technology Centers and
the Informal Science Education Network please visit www.astc.org.
Check out the latest case studies and reviews on ExhibitFiles at
www.exhibitfiles.org.
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For information about the Association of Science-Technology Centers and the Informal Science Education Network please visit www.astc.org.
Check out the latest case studies and reviews on ExhibitFiles at www.exhibitfiles.org.
The ISEN-ASTC-L email list is powered by LISTSERVR software from L-Soft. To learn more, visit
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