Conference: Evolution In Plain Language

Main Category: Biology / Biochemistry
Also Included In: Conferences;  Water - Air Quality / Agriculture
Article Date: 13 Sep 2008 - 9:00 PDT

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The latest evidence about the theory of evolution and its importance of teaching it in classrooms are the subject of two public programs in early October, which are presented as part of a large scientific meeting that will draw upwards of 8,000 participants to Houston.

The two special programs include a Public Forum and a Teacher Forum, held in conjunction with the Joint Annual Meeting of the Geological Society of America, Soil Science Society of America, American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, and Gulf Coast Association of Geological Societies. A question-and-answer session with the audience will follow both presentations.

Evolution Public Forum

Houston area residents and media are invited to attend "Understanding Evolution: A Public Forum," on Tuesday evening, 7 October, from 7 to 9 p.m., at the George R. Brown Convention Center, General Assembly Theater B. There is no charge for the program and registration is not required.

A panel of experts will give a non-technical presentation on the latest geological evidence for evolution, the finding of "missing" links, the importance of understanding evolution to modern societies, the nature of science, and why intelligent design should not be considered science.

"The records of the earth and of life are clear: over about 4 billion years, life appeared and evolved to what we have today," says panelist Jere Lipps, Curator of Paleontology, Museum of Paleontology; Professor, Department of Integrative Biology, University of California-Berkeley. Panelist and program moderator Roger Thomas, J.W. Nevin Professor of Geosciences, Department of Earth and Environment, Franklin & Marshall College; and Secretary of the Paleontological Society, adds, "We, the food we eat, and diseases that afflict us are all evolving together…in ways that we intend and in ways that we cannot avoid, as a result of our creative technology and burgeoning population. Adopting the perspective and scientific insights of evolution will help us to make responsible decisions in the best interests of humanity and our environment."

Lipps and Thomas will be joined by others experts on the panel. Click here to access the complete program information including the full list of panelists and their bios.

Evolution Teacher Forum

A presentation tailored specifically for teachers, "Evolution in the Classroom," will address questions about teaching evolution, the science and facts that support the theory, and what we can learn from the fossil record. The Teacher Forum takes place on Saturday, 4 October, from 1:00 to 4:30 p.m., George R. Brown Convention Center, General Assembly Theater B. This program is free of charge, and can be viewed live online.

Science teachers attending the Teacher Forum will receive free evolution resources, including the National Academy of Science publication, "Science, Evolution, and Creationism," and a special CD created for the forum attendees. Click here to access complete information on the Teacher Forum, including speakers and bios, and the live Webcast.

WHEN & WHERE

"Evolution in the Classroom: A Teacher Forum"
Joint Annual Meeting of GSA/SSSA-ASA-CSSA
Saturday, 4 October, 1:00 - 4:30 p.m.
George R. Brown Convention Center, General Assembly Theater B
1001 Avenida de las Americas, Houston, TX

"Understanding Evolution: A Public Forum"
Joint Annual Meeting of GSA/SSSA-ASA-CSSA
Tuesday, 7 October, 7:00 - 9:00 P.M.
George R Brown Convention Center, General Assembly Theater B
1001 Avenida de las Americas, Houston, TX
The Public Forum is sponsored by Subaru of America, Inc.

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Source: Christa Stratton
Geological Society of America

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