Eugenie Scott facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Eugenie Scott
Scott in May 2014
Born	(1945-10-24) October 24, 1945 (age 79) United States
Education	University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee (BS, MS) University of Missouri (PhD)
Occupation	National Center for Science Education Advisor
Awards	Public Welfare Medal (2010), Richard Dawkins Award (2012)

Eugenie Carol Scott (born October 24, 1945) is an American physical anthropologist. She is well-known for her work against teaching young Earth creationism and intelligent design in schools. These ideas suggest that the Earth is very young or that life was designed by a higher power, rather than evolving naturally.

Scott also created the term "Gish gallop". This describes a debate tactic where someone throws out many weak arguments quickly. The goal is to overwhelm the opponent, making it hard to respond to every point.

From 1986 to 2014, Scott was the leader of the National Center for Science Education (NCSE). This group helps schools teach about evolutionary science. Since 2013, she has been an advisor for the NCSE. She also serves on the board of Americans United for Separation of Church and State. This group works to keep government and religion separate.

Early Life and Education

Eugenie Scott grew up in Wisconsin, a state in the United States. She became interested in anthropology after reading her sister's textbook. Anthropology is the study of human societies and cultures.

Scott earned her first degrees from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. Later, she received her PhD from the University of Missouri. In 1974, she became a physical anthropologist at the University of Kentucky. Soon after, she saw a debate that sparked her interest. It was about the creation–evolution controversy, which discusses how life began and changed. She also taught at other universities, focusing on medical anthropology and skeletal biology.

Career Highlights

In 1980, Scott worked to stop creationism from being taught in public schools in Lexington, Kentucky. She became the executive director of the National Center for Science Education in 1987. This was the same year the Supreme Court ruled against requiring creation science in public schools. This ruling was part of the Edwards v. Aguillard case.

Scott retired from her leadership role at NCSE in 2014. Ann Reid took her place.

Beliefs and Views

Eugenie Scott was raised in a Christian Science family. Later, she joined a different church. She describes her background as "liberal Protestant." Today, she focuses on secular humanist ideas. This means she believes in human reason and ethics, without relying on religious beliefs. She has signed the Humanism and Its Aspirations manifesto.

Writing and Publications

Scott is an expert on creationism and intelligent design. Her book, Evolution vs. Creationism: An Introduction, explains these topics. It was first published in 2004. The book helps people understand the differences between scientific evolution and other ideas.

She also co-edited a book called Not in Our Classrooms: Why Intelligent Design is Wrong for Our Schools. This book explains why intelligent design should not be taught in science classes.

In 2006, Scott and her colleagues published an article in Science magazine. It was about how people in different countries accept the idea of evolution. The study found that Turkey had the lowest acceptance of evolution. The United States was next lowest. However, the authors noted that many Americans were unsure, meaning they could still learn more about evolution.

Academic Recognition

Eugenie Scott has received many honors for her work. As of 2023, she has been given 10 honorary degrees from different universities. These degrees recognize her important contributions to science education.

Media Appearances

2009 Independent Investigations Award Recipient

Some people describe Eugenie Scott as someone who defends Charles Darwin's ideas. Scott herself jokingly says she is "Darwin's golden retriever". This means she is loyal and works hard to support the teaching of evolution.

She has been featured in major newspapers and science magazines. She has also been interviewed for many science and education publications. Scott has taken part in debates on TV channels like MSNBC and Fox News.

In 2004, she appeared on the TV show Penn & Teller: B'''**'''t!. She discussed her views on creationism and intelligent design.

The Kitzmiller v. Dover Case

In 2005, Eugenie Scott and other NCSE staff helped with the Kitzmiller v. Dover Area School District court case. This case was about whether intelligent design could be taught in public schools. Judge John Jones ruled that it could not.

Scott said the ruling was a big win for science education. She explained that scientists may debate small details of evolution. However, they agree that living things have changed over time from common ancestors. The Dover School Board had wanted students to doubt this basic idea of evolution.

Awards and Honors

James Underdown director of Center for Inquiry West and Independent Investigations Group (IIG) West presents award from the IIG August 21, 2010

Eugenie Scott has received many awards for her work. These awards recognize her efforts in science education and her defense of scientific thinking.

Personal Life

Eugenie Scott lives in Berkeley, California, with her husband, Thomas C. Sager. They have one daughter.

Scott also enjoys being a backyard beekeeper. She has two beehives and is interested in issues like colony collapse disorder. This is a problem where many bee colonies disappear. She also supports amateur beekeeping.

See also

In Spanish: Eugenie Scott para niños