Dozens of British schools are using creationist materials in science classes, a move that has been condemned by government ministers. Information packs supporting the teaching of Intelligent Design have been sent to every secondary school in the UK and 89 are believed to be using them. This report from Matt McGrath:

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In the United States it has widespread support among conservative christians and has been endorsed by President Bush. In Britain a group called Truth in Science who were responsible for sending ID information packs to secondary schools say that alternatives to Darwin's theory should also be taught.

But Intelligent Design's claims to be scientific have been challenged in the media and more importantly in the courts. In Pennsylvania in 2005, a judge ruled that it was unlawful for schools to teach ID as it was an essentially religious belief. While these arguments about evolution are in their infancy in the UK, a Government minister has said that says that Intelligent Design is not included in the national curriculum and should not be taught in schools. The majority of scientists in Britain also support this view.

Matt McGrath, BBC

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alternative
one of two or more things, ideas or courses of action, etc. that may be used; different from traditional

sophisticated
complex and based on a wide experience

solely
only

the guiding hand of God
the leading role of a supreme intelligence who is the creator and ruler of the universe

widespread support
approval from many people

endorsed
approved and supported

challenged
questioned

unlawful
illegal

in their infancy
quite new, not widely established yet

included in the national curriculum
part of what is being taught in all schools in the UK

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