Oh dear. The New York Times ran a story a couple of years ago about the scientific knowledge of Americans. Over the last three decades surveys have been conducted to track attitudes toward science across the world and Dr. Miller, who conducted this particular survey, is famed for his deep knowledge and excellent track record.
The results of the survey ?
“Dr. Miller’s data reveal some yawning gaps in basic knowledge. American adults in general do not understand what molecules are (other than that they are really small). Fewer than a third can identify DNA as a key to heredity. Only about 10 percent know what radiation is. One adult American in five thinks the Sun revolves around the Earth, an idea science had abandoned by the 17th century.”
Yup, 20% of Americans think the sun spins round the Earth. Ummm.. no.
I’m not saying Europeans or Brits are any better here, it’s just quite a shocking statistic!
Link – New York Times