The Scopes trial dealt with creationism vs. evolution.
John Scopes was a substitute teacher in the state of Tennessee who broke a state law. The law stated that teachers must teaching creationism. However, Scopes taught the theory of evolution to his students, a direct violation of this law.
This court case became famous during the 1920's as it put the religious community against the scientific community. Ultimately, Scopes was found guilty and forced to pay a fine. This conversation about the role of religion in American public schools would be a consistent topic throughout 20th century American history.