Museum of Science and Industry

As a Museum whose vision is to inspire and motivate our children to achieve their full potential in the fields of science, technology, medicine and engineering, the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago was eager to seek the opinions of Americans on the state of science and science education in our country. This effort was on the heels of dismaying reports of declining science test scores and increasing competition in science and technological innovations from other nations.

The results of the Harris Interactive^® study shed light on what the average American thinks about their own knowledge of science, what they think about our the country’s science education system and their opinions about the United States’ leadership position in science.  Below is snapshot of their thoughts and opinions:

• Scientists are not seen as role models. When asked who today's youth look to as role models, 31 percent named an entertainer, 19 percent an athlete and 17 percent a parent. But when asked about science role models, 44 percent could not identify one.
  
  
• Adults recognize the importance of science. Eighty-seven percent agree they personally benefit from science every day. More than 80 percent of adults understand science plays a big role in medicine, while 70 percent believe science plays a large role in the environment. But 26 percent feel they have a good understanding of science.
  
  
• Adults are not impressed with how seriously America is taking science and science education.  Seventy percent believe America is not currently the world leader in science, and only 35 percent think the U.S. will be the world leader in science in the next 20 years.
  
  
• Americans feel the quality of science education is falling short. Eight in 10  agree science is not receiving the attention it deserves in our nation’s schools. Forty-four percent give the quality of science education a “C” grade or lower. Only 12 percent give it an “A,” while 37 percent give it a “B.”
  
  
• A majority of Americans believe science education deserves increased funding and attention. Eighty-seven percent agree that, as a nation, we must begin to devote more funding toward science education. Nearly 80 percent agree science is not receiving the level of attention it deserves in our nation’s schools.
  
  
• Americans recognize there are a variety of ways to improve science education:

• Teachers need support. Ninety-four percent of adults surveyed agree teachers need more professional development and training opportunities. Ninety-one percent say that science teachers should be certified to teach science or have a degree in science.
• Kids need to spend more time learning science. Although U.S. students spend about 30 minutes learning about science in school, according to a 2007 survey by the Center for Education Policy, nearly half believe that students should be spending 75 minutes to two hours in the classroom on science.
• Parents and families need to encourage kids earlier. Ninety-three percent of Americans agree that interest in science must be encouraged at an early age, and 94 percent believe that more parental involvement would improve science education.
• Museums have a role to play. Ninety-three percent of adults agree that science museums can help improve the quality of science education.

Learn more about the State of Science in America.