A
recent poll by the National Science Foundation (NSF) in New York shows that
around one in four Americans is unaware that the earth orbits the sun!
The
NSF poll surveyed 2,200 people who were asked 10 questions about physical and
biological sciences.
On average,
the score was 6.5 out of 10 - barely a passing grade.
Only
48% of respondents believed humans evolved from other species of animals while
39% said they believed in the Big Bang.
Meanwhile,
about 90% of respondents were enthusiastic about science and one in three
thought it should get more government funding.
"Americans'
understanding about topics such as science and technology depend in part on how
much exposure they get to such content throughout their life, as well how much
attention they pay to such content," said the poll by NSF, a US government
agency that supports fundamental research and education in all the non-medical
fields of science and engineering.
Exposure
and attention to science and technology can make residents more informed, shape
attitudes, and help them make decisions that are better for themselves, their
families, and their communities, it added.
The
biennial survey would be presented to US president Barack Obama and Congress.
