This week, the Kansas Board of Education approved new science standards that cast doubt on the theory of evolution. In the same week, voters in one Pennsylvania school district voted out of office many of the school board members responsible for a controversial science curriculum including 'Intelligent Design.' That policy, which requires biology teachers to read a statement mentioning the idea of intelligent design and suggesting a book for further reading, is the subject of a court case currently being deliberated upon. Join Ira and guests in this hour of Science Friday for the latest news on teaching evolution.

Plus, a conversation with author Chris Mooney about what he calls the Republican War on Science. "I wanted to tell the full story of how science became a political football in modern American life," Mooney says, pointing to areas from public health to the environment . Call in with your questions and comments at 1-800-989-8255 (3-4 Eastern). Teachers, find more information about using Science Friday as a classroom resource in the Kids' Connection.

Guests:
Nick Matzke
Public Information Project Specialist
National Center for Science Education
Oakland, California

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Chris Mooney
Author, "The Republican War on Science" (2005, Basic Books)
Washington correspondent, Seed Magazine
Washington, DC

Books/Articles Discussed:

"The Republican War on Science," by Chris Mooney. Basic Books, 2005.

(find books discussed on previous broadcasts)

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This segment produced by Karin Vergoth