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RESOURCES FROM THE NATIONAL ACADEMIES (NAS), American Society for 
Cell Biology(ASCB) and American Association for the ADVANCEMENT OF 
SOCIETY ()

The National Academies recently unveiled a new resource for the public on
evolution, allowing easy access to books, position statements, and
additional resources on evolution education and research produced by the
National Academies and other sources.  Included are the complete text of
Science and Creationism: A View from the National Academy of Sciences,
second edition, and of Teaching About Evolution and the Nature of
Science.  In a press release, the National Academies noted that "[t]he
theory of evolution is one of science's most robust theories, and the
National Academies have long supported the position that evolution be
taught as a central element in any science education program.  Over the
past several years, however, there has been a growing movement around the
country to include non-scientifically based 'alternatives' in science
courses."  The National Academies comprise the National Academy of
Sciences, the National Academy of Engineering, the Institute of Medicine,
and the National Research Council.  They are private, nonprofit
institutions that provide science, technology, and health policy advice
under a congressional charter.

And the American Society for Cell Biology recently unveiled a section on
"Creationism and Intelligent Design" on the public policy section of its
website, providing information about creationist episodes and ASCB's
responses, useful links, and even a video lecture (in RealPlayer format) by
NCSE Supporter Kenneth R. Miller entitled "Time to abandon Darwin?  The
challenge from intelligent design," delivered at the Marine Biological
Laboratory in Woods Hole in June 2004.   It is a work in progress, so
expect it to become even more useful in the future!  The ASCB was founded
in 1960 to bring the varied facets of cell biology together and to promote
and develop the field of cell biology.  Its objectives are achieved through
the scholarly dissemination of research at its Annual Meeting and Summer
Meetings in its publications.  The ASCB strives to ensure the future of
basic scientific research by providing training and development
opportunities for students and young investigators, and also by keeping
Congress and the American public informed on the importance of biomedical
research.  Since its founding, the ASCB has grown to more than 11,000 members.

Guarding the Integrity of Science in Classrooms
AAAS is playing a prominent role in countering efforts to weaken or 
compromise the teaching of evolution in U.S. public school science 
classrooms. Resources published online include an informational Q&A 
on evolution and intelligent design and commentary including an op-ed 
piece on the State of Kansas Board of Education evolution hearings. 
Go to 
<http://eloop.goldlasso.com/redir.php?s=3329&u=635831&f=2&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aaas.org%2Fnews%2Fpress_room%2Fevolution%2F>http://www.aaas.org/news/press_room/evolution/.

For the resources from the National Academies, visit:
http://nationalacademies.org/evolution/

For the resources from the American Society for Cell Biology, visit:
http://www.ascb.org/publicpolicy/creationism.html

The links to NAS and ASCB are from the National Center for Science 
Education and to AAAS from Advances a montHly newsletter for members 
of AAAS.

Martin
-- 
Martin Weiss, Ph.D
Vice President, Science
New York Hall of Science
47-01 111 th Street
Corona, New York 11368
718 699 0005 x 356

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