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National Center for Science Education
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The National Center for Science Education (NCSE) is a non-profit organization which combats the anti-science movement in the public sphere, although it focuses nearly exclusively on material relating to the origins debate. The NCSE acts as a central information and resource clearinghouse for the promotion of science, and helps to coordinate the activities of people fighting anti-science in public education. They have routinely opposed intelligent design, earning themselves much criticism from pseudoscience-promoting organizations, like Answers in Genesis. They are affiliated with the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS).
History
They were founded in 1981 and incorporated in 1983, by several "Committees of Correspondence" that had been established to fight the promotion of "creation science" by Christian fundamentalists[1]. In 1987, author and lecturer Eugenie Scott (who holds a PhD in physical anthropology) became its executive director[2]. Members of its board of directors are selected based on their scientific credentials.
Supporters
The NCSE's current supporters include Bruce Alberts, President of the National Academy of Sciences; Donald Johanson, discoverer of the "Lucy" fossil; and evolutionary biologist Francisco J. Ayala. Also the late paleontologist and writer Stephen Jay Gould was a long-time supporter. As of 2008, the group has over 4000 members who are "scientists, teachers, clergy, and citizens with diverse religious affiliations." The NCSE also works with other scientific and educational organizations, such as the National Academy of Sciences, the National Association of Biology Teachers, and the National Science Teachers Association" (official NCSE website).
Regarding religion, the NCSE is neutral, and they often coordinate their efforts with appropriately pro-science religious organizations. In their publication, Voices for Evolution, they list various organizations, including religious ones, that either support evolution, or at least the teaching of evolution.
Notable projects and accomplishments
In 2003, the NCSE gained international attention with Project Steve.[3]
They were a major partner in the Kitzmiller v. Dover Area School District trial.
In April 2008, the NCSE launched "Expelled-Exposed," a website critical of Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed. The website received press attention and a large amount of traffic.
As of 2011, the NCSE has also added combating global warming denial to its repertoire.[4]
See also
External links
References
- ↑ More about NCSE.
- ↑ Tom McIver in Isis, quoted Eugenie C. Scott's in Evolution vs. Creationism: An Introduction.
- ↑ Project Steve in the media, National Center for Science Education, Last updated February 26, 2004, retrieved September 11, 2007.
- ↑ Teachers Feeling Heat Over Climate Change