National Academies Press offers free evolution books online

Here’s a wonderful resource to help teach evolution. The National Academies Press offers all of its evolution-themed science publications free online.

One of the most helpful books is the NAP’s 88-page Science, Evolution, and Creationism, which was written by a team of experts from the National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Sciences and Institute of Medicine of the National Academies.

NAP describes it as:

How did life evolve on Earth? The answer to this question can help us understand our past and prepare for our future. Although evolution provides credible and reliable answers, polls show that many people turn away from science, seeking other explanations with which they are more comfortable.

In the book Science, Evolution, and Creationism, a group of experts assembled by the National Academy of Sciences and the Institute of Medicine explain the fundamental methods of science, document the overwhelming evidence in support of biological evolution, and evaluate the alternative perspectives offered by advocates of various kinds of creationism, including “intelligent design.” The book explores the many fascinating inquiries being pursued that put the science of evolution to work in preventing and treating human disease, developing new agricultural products, and fostering industrial innovations. The book also presents the scientific and legal reasons for not teaching creationist ideas in public school science classes.

Mindful of school board battles and recent court decisions, Science, Evolution, and Creationism shows that science and religion should be viewed as different ways of understanding the world rather than as frameworks that are in conflict with each other and that the evidence for evolution can be fully compatible with religious faith. For educators, students, teachers, community leaders, legislators, policy makers, and parents who seek to understand the basis of evolutionary science, this publication will be an essential resource.

The book consists of three main chapters.

The first chapter briefly describes the process of evolution, the nature of science and differences between science and religion.
The second chapter examines in greater detail the many different kinds of scientific evidence that support evolution, including evidence from astronomy, paleontology, comparative anatomy, molecular biology, genetics and anthropology.
The third chapter examines several creationist perspectives (including intelligent design) and discusses the scientific and legal reasons against teaching creationist ideas in public school science classes.
A FAQ section follows the main text, along with suggestions for additional readings.

Click here to view the book and learn more. You’ll find two tabs on the upper right portion of the page to either read the book online or download it as a PDF file.

For other free evolution-themed books on the site, also see: