What does NCSE do?

The National Center for Science Education, founded in 1981, engages in a number of activities advancing two primary goals: improving and supporting education in evolution and the nature of science, and increasing public understanding of these subjects. This work is supported primarily by membership contributions, with some additional assistance from grants.

NCSE provides information and guidance to citizens faced with local creationist challenges:

• Expert testimony for school board hearings
• Advice on how to organize, including referrals to others who have faced similar problems
• Information (including article reprints) on evolution, "creation science", and the evolution/creation controversy

Educating the Public through the Media

• NCSE provides background material and commentary to journalists who are covering the creationism controversy
• Executive Director Eugenie Scott, Ph.D., writes articles about science education, and the problems posed by creationism, for numerous general, scientific, and educational publications
• NCSE's speakers, especially Dr. Scott, participate as guests on national and local radio and television programs

Networking with Other Organizations

• Referrals: People concerned about other issues frequently call and are given referrals to appropriate organizations (for example, anti-censorship groups); these other organizations also refer people concerned about evolution/creation conflicts to NCSE
• Consultations: NCSE provides expert witness referrals and/or consultation to legal organizations in litigating creation/evolution cases
• Speakers' bureau: NCSE sends speakers to scientific, educational, legal and civil liberties organizations, informing them of the issues and recent events
• News and information sharing: Examples – A speaker for a civil liberties organization who had been invited to take part in a radio talk show reviewed NCSE-provided materials to prepare for questions concerning creationism; organizations preparing reports on the state of education, and controversies in education, contact NCSE for information about science education and the creation/evolution controversy
• Coordinated action: Other organizations call NCSE for assistance with local problems. For example, when the Vilas Park Zoo, a public zoo in Wisconsin, set up a creationist display, an organization there contacted NCSE, and our state representative and local members helped zoo personnel prepare a scientifically accurate replacement.

Publications

• Reports of the National Center for Science Education, a bi-monthly journal with news of current events; discussion and commentary on issues in evolution education and the creation/evolution controversy; resources for evolution education; scholarly refutations of "scientific evidence against evolution"; and reports on developments in evolutionary science and on public understanding of the issues.
• Reviews of Creationist Books – scientific evaluations of creationist textbooks
• Voices for Evolution – position statements by scientific, educational, religious, and civil liberties organizations
• Pamphlets on specific topics
• Assistance to educators
• Directly or through our state representatives and local volunteers, NCSE participates in curriculum development and text reviews
• NCSE offers workshops at teachers' conferences on how to teach about evolution
• NCSE answers requests from teachers concerning methods and materials for teaching evolution
• NCSE's Pre-Publication Review Project helps publishers locate scientists who review textbooks for accurate, up-to-date content

How does NCSE handle attacks on evolution education?

Our first choice is always to assist local citizens in resolving issues by providing them with appropriate information: for example, we may give a parent current legal information to share with a school administrator, or provide book reviews to a school administrator who is researching the appropriateness of a book suggested for library use. Occasionally, in response to a news report, we approach school administrators with an offer of information or assistance. Our goal is to provide information that will lead to community consensus, rather than confrontation.

Does NCSE get involved in lawsuits?

Litigation is expensive and time consuming, and NCSE recommends that it be used only as a last resort. We have a legal advisory panel that can be called upon when litigation is necessary, or threatened by other parties. As an authority in evolution education, NCSE is uniquely qualified to comment on cases relating to creationism and anti-evolution. In 1998 we filed an amicus brief in connection with an appeal of the Freiler v Tangipahoa decision ruling an antievolution disclaimer unconstitutional, and in 2005 we filed a joint amicus brief with the People for the American Way Foundation in Selman v Cobb County. NCSE also acted as scientific advisors in the Kitzmiller v Dover trial.

What is NCSE's religious position?

None. The National Center for Science Education is not affiliated with any religious organization or belief. We and our members enthusiastically support the right of every individual to hold, practice, and advocate their beliefs, religious or non-religious. Our members range from devout practitioners of several religions to atheists, with many shades of belief in between. What unites them is a conviction that science and the scientific method, and not any particular religious belief, should determine science curriculum.

What is NCSE's position on controversies about civil liberties and education?

NCSE sometimes works with organizations that have broad concerns about civil liberties or public education, but only when evolution education is involved. When there is legislation proposed in these areas, we may inform our members of how evolution would be affected. Otherwise, we do not advocate any positions or legislation concerning civil liberties or the schools.

Who supports NCSE?

NCSE's members come from all walks of life. Many are teachers and professional scientists who care intensely about the quality of science education. Others are parents, clergy, science enthusiasts, and concerned citizens. Official supporters are distinguished individuals who have endorsed the goals of the National Center for Science Education.

What organizations does NCSE work with?

NCSE cooperates nationally and locally with scientific, educational, religious and civil liberties organizations like the National Academy of Sciences, the National Association of Biology Teachers, the National Science Teachers Association, and People for the American Way. We are an affiliate of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

What is Project Steve?

Project Steve is NCSE's parody of creationist lists of "scientists who doubt evolution." For more information, go here.

Can NCSE provide a speaker for my event?

Yes! A list of NCSE speakers and their rates can be found here.