Seeking to quell a growing movement to teach creationism in U.S. schools, the National Academies has unveiled a new section of its website dedicated to teachers' resources on evolution.
"The theory of evolution is one of science's most robust theories, and the National Academies has long supported the position that evolution be taught as a central element in any science education program," said a statement released by the organization Thursday.
The site was designed "to confront advocates of intelligent design, which is not a science," according to National Academies spokesman Bill Kearney.
The site features academic papers supporting evolutionary theory and supplements for educators detailing how to teach evolution in the classroom.
Between 2001 and 2003, religious activists convinced school boards and legislators in more than 40 states to consider downplaying evolution in favor of a theory known as intelligent design, according to the National Center for Science Education, a pro-evolution watchdog.
Intelligent design is an updated form of creationism that claims life was created by an "intelligent designer."
The National Academies and other scientific organizations have long said that intelligent design should not be taught in schools because it counters many scientific observations about biology and the origins of life.
The National Academies is a collection of private, nonprofit organizations that provide science, technology and health policy advice under a congressional charter.
