The Campaign to Defend the Constitution, which on its Web site is defined as a "grassroots movement combating the growing power of the religious right," developed the petitions Tuesday. One is for educators, another for those outside educational fields, because they say the museum is focusing its beliefs on children, in the same way R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. used its "Joe Camel" cartoon character to promote Camel cigarettes.

"They think science is picking and choosing what they find is convenient," said Clark Stevens, co-director of the Washington-based group, which claims 125,000 members nationwide, and 7,000 members in this region. "You can't disregard scientific principles. This is not about religion, this is about ...