[grey_whiskers]

One of the problems is that, like the article claims, many people do not have basic scientific literacy, yet they try to argue science with scientists. It's like bringing a knife to a gun fight.

Yup. Of course, together with the government schools, this has elements of its own "chicken or the egg" conodrum.

Are the students so ignorant of science because of the dismal state of the schools?

Or are so many of the students uninterested in science (Math Class is Tough^TM!) that even the best instruction can't reach them and they fall prey to fads?

Interesting side point: Why is it that other controversial non-scientific things (crystal healing, astrology, alternative medicine) generate just as much laughter but not as much contempt as Creationism? Is there an element of intellectual pride? Is it that other non-scientific-mainstream worldviews are not as, well, pushy? Or is it that the other worldviews are rejected by nearly everyone as quacks, and therefore thought to be not nearly such a threat?

Just stirring the pot...

Cheers!

[Physicist]

Perhaps it's the fact that there isn't a widespread movement to teach those beliefs in public schools as an alternative to an established science.

[Sir Francis Dashwood]

Just stirring the pot...

Evolutionists believe in the boiling primordial spaghetti sauce theory.

[Gumlegs]

Why is it that other controversial non-scientific things (crystal healing, astrology, alternative medicine) generate just as much laughter but not as much contempt as Creationism?

Perhaps not here at FR, but I assure you they do. You might look here or here for starters.

[doc30]

Are the students so ignorant of science because of the dismal state of the schools?

I don't think it's the state of the schools. I think its more along the lines of elemntary and high school students just don't have a sufficient background to understand science. Science isn't easy and it isn't simple. On your other point. Science and the religious right both hold crystal reading, astrology and other such stuff in contempt, but for opposite reasons. Science thinks it's quakery, but some Christians believe those things really work, but are the product of Satanic powers. I've seen sermons where a fiery pastor condemns these things for being evil, but never condemns them for being false.