# Bad Science in Public School Classrooms

*Published:* 2008-08-21
*Author:* Lisa Moore

![Lisa Moore](https://blogs.edf.org/climate411/wp-content/blogs.dir/7/files/2008/04/lisa_moore.jpg)*This post is by [Lisa Moore, Ph.D.](http://www.environmentaldefense.org/page.cfm?tagID=404), a scientist in the Climate and Air program at Environmental Defense Fund.*

Just when we’re finally having the kind of national conversation we need about global warming, those who are ignoring scientific evidence are making a last-gasp effort to divert our attention: They’re sneaking myths and deceptions into America’s science classrooms.

In [Louisiana’s recent “Science Education Act”](http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg19926643.300-new-legal-threat-to-school-science-in-the-us.html?DCMP=ILC-hmts&nsref=news3_head_mg19926643.300), they joined forces with advocates of teaching creationism under the guise of promoting “critical thinking” on select scientific topics, including climate change. Signed into law by Governor Bobby Jindal, the law actually provides cover for teachers who want to promote perspectives not founded in science.

Ironically, last year Congress asked the National Academies to recommend steps the U.S. could take to “successfully compete, prosper, and be secure in the global community of the 21st century”. Number one on the list was “[vastly improving K-12 science and mathematics education](http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=11463)“.

Laws like the one in Louisiana do exactly the opposite. They hurt, not help, our future competitiveness – not to mention, hinder our ability to understand and respond to a warming world.

To track these bills like these and learn more about defending science education, visit the [National Center for Science Education](http://www.natcenscied.org/default.asp).