A third of teachers believe creationism should be given the same status as evolution in the classroom, a survey suggested.
A Teachers TV poll of 1,200 teachers found that almost a third (30%) already consider creationism or intelligent design, to some extent, during science lessons.
And almost nine out of 10 teachers take the view that they should be allowed to discuss the subject in science if pupils raise the question.
Supporters of creationism believe the Earth and humanity were created by a deity.
Intelligent design is a more modern version which argues that life is so complex it cannot solely be explained by evolution.
Andrew Bethell, chief executive of Teachers TV, said: "This poll data confirms that the debate on whether there is a place for the teaching of creationism in the classroom is still fierce.
"Although over half (50.4%) of teachers either disagreed or strongly disagreed with the idea that creationism should be given the same status as evolution, there is a significant minority who believe that it should be given equal weight."
The survey found that 31.1% of teachers agreed that creationism or intelligent design should be given the same status as evolution.
Mr Bethell added: "Perhaps most telling is the fact that, almost nine out of 10 (87.9%) teachers take the pragmatic view that they should be allowed to discuss creationism or intelligent design in science, if pupils raise the question."
In September leading biologist and education expert the Rev Professor Michael Reiss called for creationism to be included in science lessons.
Shortly after he stepped down as the Royal Society's director of education, and the society said his comments had damaged its reputation.
Prof Reiss had argued that banning the subject from the classroom is likely to backfire with children who hold sincere beliefs.
He wanted teachers to be open to discussing creationist ideas, while at the same time they should endeavour to explain scientific theories such as natural selection and the Big Bang.
Speaking at the British Association Festival of Science at the University of Liverpool, he said it was better for science teachers not to see creationism as a "misconception" but as a "world view."
Around 10% of British schoolchildren come from families with sincere creationist beliefs, said Prof Reiss, an ordained Church of England minister.
The poll showed that half (50%) of teachers agreed with Prof Reiss's view that excluding alternative explanations to evolution is counter-productive, and could alienate pupils from science.
Teachers TV is broadcasting a range of programmes on the creationism and evolution debate during their Evolution Week.
The National Secular Society called on Schools Secretary Ed Balls to "crack down" on the teaching of creationism.
Terry Sanderson, president of the Society, said the survey's findings were "extremely alarming".
He said: "It seems that such is the sensitivity around religion in schools now that pupils with fundamentalist ideas are able, in some circumstances, to force their beliefs into science lessons.
"Although teachers should be allowed to challenge and respond to such ideas when pupils raise them, they should also make clear that they have no place in science.
"Creationism is a religious idea that is fixed and immutable, evolution is research and evidence-based and subject to constant development.
"The idea that the two approaches have some sort of equivalence in science lessons is something that must be stamped on hard."
He said the Government should give schools instructions that creationism be discussed in religious studies lessons, not science classes.
meiah
Its the fact that this has been suggested as part of science that fascinates me
david hobbs
It matters not what they discuss.
No one knows the truth, and never will.
Human beings have a great capacity for believing anything that they are brought up to believe and will die defending that belief. What utter fools.
I think these things should most certainly be discussed in the classroom but without the need for the politically correct brigade to insist on being diplomatic and worry about the little darlings feelings.
Talk openly and honestly.
Most kids are not stupid and given the opportunity to openly discuss this subject may just surprise us with what they have to say on the matter.
evergreen
many schools are religious based so this doesn't surprise me in the least
