In all discussion of evolution (natural selection working on genetic variability in populations) there is an elephant in the room that cannot be ignored-peoples cultural and religious believes especially about descent of humans. We do create models of the natural world an strive to reconcile our observations to the models and adjust the models to conform to our continued observations of the natural world. This implies that we are continuously testing and adjusting the models (doing science). However, non-scientists bring a lot with them which tends to color their understanding of science. Scientific theories (evolution, relativity, atomic structure of the atom, eg) seem to be especially troublesome. In the case of evolution it is religion, especially when discussion involves human evolution from a common ancestor. No one who questions evolution of man questions (that I know of) using an elevator or the use of clocks and calendars to schedule our lives or use of medicines (all of which are based upon our use of models of the world (not facts) of the theories of relativity, atomic structure and gravity). People make meaning of the world around them based on culture and we cannot ignore that in discussions of understanding of science. That said I am not sure how to bridge the gap except to say that to ignore the elephant in the room (culture and religion) maybe to ignore a lot of people who need (and perhaps want) to be in on the discussion. In today's NY Times' Science Section there is an article about teaching of evolution in schools. And the news is not very good. See: http://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/01/science/01evo.html?hp&ex=1107320400&en=143526089b4b8af2&ei=5094&partner=homepage (registration required but no cost. Martin -- Martin Weiss, Ph.D Vice President, Science New York Hall of Science 47-01 111 th Street Corona, New York 11368 718 699 0005 x 356 ========================================================= Important Subscriber Information: The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes). If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).