Evolution is a topic that continues to spark political, social, and educational debates around the United States. Despite widespread agreement among scientists as to the legitimacy and value of research and understanding of evolution, the public forum is still characterized by contention, mistrust, and misinformation. In the 150 years post-Darwin, and now more than 90 years after the Scopes trial, it appears that little progress has been made in ensuring all students come into college with an acceptable understanding of evolution, evolutionary mechanisms, and evolutionary theory. This chapter demonstrates where we have been and looks to the future to ensure that all students understand evolution and, by virtue of such, how scientific knowledge comes to. The authors discuss a possible pathway to that end, with the focus being not on beliefs but on understandings and the importance of accessible, accurate science education for all.
Science education for all, some or just a few? Feminist and gender perspectives on science education: a special issue
