1 in 4 Americans Don't Know Earth Orbits the Sun. Yes, Really

[Turk]

By Ian O'Neill Feb 14, 2014 03:20 PM ET

A selection of pages from "Harmonia Macrocsmica" by Andreas Cellarius, printed in 1708 depicting the Copernican sun-centered (heliocentric) system of the universe. Polish astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus discovered that the Earth orbits the sun way back in the 16th century.

Dear Science Communication Professionals: We have a problem.

Earlier this month, the Bill Nye vs. Ken Ham creationism “debate” received a disproportionate amount of press coverage. Considering that there really is no debate to be had when it comes to the science of evolution, for bad or for worse, Nye faced a hostile audience at the Creationist Museum in Kentucky. He hoped to score some scientific points against Ham’s literal translation of the Bible and his absurd assertion that the world was created in 6 days and that the universe is 6,000 years old.

In my opinion, (an opinion shared by other science communicators), the Nye vs. Ham debate did little for science outreach. It was all about who sounded more convincing and only gave creationists some free advertising.

And then, today, the National Science Foundation (NSF) delivered news of a pretty shocking poll result: around one in four Americans (yes, that's 25 percent) are unaware that the Earth orbits the sun. Let’s repeat that: One in four Americans — that represents one quarter of the population — when asked probably the most basic question in science (except, perhaps, “Is the Earth flat?” Hint: No.), got the answer incorrect. Suddenly I realized why the Nye vs. Ham debate was so popular.

But wait! I hear you cry, perhaps the NSF poll was flawed? Perhaps the poll sample was too small? Sadly not. The NSF poll, which is used to gauge U.S. scientific literacy every year, 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. But for me personally, the fact that 26 percent of the respondents were unaware the Earth revolves around the sun shocked me to the core.

Perhaps I’m expecting too much of the U.S. education system? Perhaps this is just an anomaly; a statistical blip? But then, like the endless deluge of snow that is currently choking the East Coast, another outcome of the same poll appeared on the foggy horizon of scientific illiteracy: The majority of young Americans think astrology is a science.

What the what? Have I been transported back to the Dark Ages? Astrology, of course, is not a science; it is a spiritual belief system at best and at worst a pseudoscience driven by charlatans and the tabloid press. The positions of the stars and planets in the sky do not affect my mood and my horoscope has little bearing on the kind of person I am. Even in China, one of the birthplaces of astrology, 92 percent of the people know that astrology is bunk. Really America, get your act together.

Unfortunately, if we are to use the “Is astrology a science?” as a litmus test for scientific literacy, things are looking grim. In 2004, 66 percent of the American public said astrology was bunk. Every year since then, that majority has slipped. By 2012, only 55 percent of Americans considered astrology “not at all scientific.” Probably of most concern is the fact that only 42 percent of young respondents aged between 18-24 said astrology is “not at all scientific.”

But there is a small glimmer of hope. According to the same NSF poll, the vast majority of Americans seem to love science. Although they returned woeful test results, it seems America is hungry to learn about science and think that science funding is essential for the well-being of the nation. But I’m now concerned about what America thinks science really is, especially in light of that astrology result. Also, just because the U.S. public wants to learn, can they find the institutions that will actually teach real science?

Schools across the nation are currently facing the unthinkable notion of teaching creationism alongside evolution in science classrooms. The fact that religion is given the same standing as science is not only absurd, it's a fundamental institutional failing where children (who may be excited to learn about science) will grow up with a second-rate education, neglecting decades of scientific knowledge in favor of pseudo-scientific religious agendas.

For a nation that prides itself on science and discovery, it will be a tragedy on a national scale if fundamental science is undercut by superstition and the bad policies it inspires.
You can read detailed results of the NSF poll here (PDF).
http://news.discovery.com/space/astronomy/1-in-4-americans-dont-know-earth-orbits-the-sun-yes-really-140214.htm

[Cyberboom]

:lol:

[jackieo]

stupid people. uninformed people. I am constantly astounded what some people dont know.

[freeforever03]

A very sad state of affairs. Very hard to believe.

[davmil]

Not that I think we're the brightest folks around, but I call B.S. I never met anyone that uninformed and I've met plenty of dumbasses here.

[Whoopenstein]

Let's not ask how the seasons happen or why there's a leap year.

[DesiPirate]

maybe they think earth,sun and everything revolves around america. :P

[kn_andre]

Not one bit Surprised ....... Because, some still think the Earth is ... Flat !!! :( :( :( :( :( :( Heard some say they do not like to Travel far or go Sailing because they are Scared of Falling off the Planet when then suddenly reach the Edge of the Earth !!! So yes , Wonders never End - You just have to be " Fortunate or rather Unfortunate " to be in the Wrong Place at the Right time ... Cheers Guys ... Have a Jolly Weekend ..

[AlienForce1]

Einstein said once : “Two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I am not yet completely sure about the universe.”

[flash48]

Perhaps this is why Obama got elected twice. People are too stupid to live and need the government to provide tell them what to do. This is clearly the fault of the educational system in America.

[STEEL]

[spudboy]

I'm pretty certain there are stupid people in every country, not just America. The statistic is nonsense anyway. 1 in 4? Complete nonsense.

[dMog]

i have personally met many americans that have no idea canada is NOT a third world country and that we do indeed have flush toilets paved roads and cars and that we are not like siberia all year long

[Turk]

This is statistical study: Sample large than enough and p value is less than 0.001 which statistically very significant, we like or not. This was posted here in funny jokes section because not to take as if real, indeed real and not to offend US friends here. for example, many people may exist around the world but who would have cared if 1 in 4 Zululands do not know this truth. If you sleeve off your hands to dominate the world even you have to know how to fart properly :) That's why is a news, too :)

edit: spelling

Edited February 16, 2014 by Turk

[VileTouch]

you're surprised? did you know some people made a big fuss about schools teaching about evolution in science class? did you know more than 25% of US population firmly believe we were poofed into existance by god? and take everything in the bible as hard facts?

Edited February 16, 2014 by VileTouch

[mazigh]

you're surprised? did you know some people made a big fuss about schools teaching about evolution in science class? did you know more than 25% of US population firmly believe we were poofed into existance by god? and take everything in the bible as hard facts?

Do you mean that believing all this universe is created by God is stupid? and believing that it's created by none is smart?

[kn_andre]

Please Guys, before this Gets out of Hands, Look at the Top and Carefully Note that this was Posted in the Jokes and Funny Stuff Section - Meaning should be taken with a Pinch of Salt .... It is intended to be a Story that would make us Laugh .. So before this Thread Heads "South" i Suggest we bear in Mind that its a Funny Story that should not be Taken too Seriously ... I implore everybody to take their Foot of the Gas Pedal and focus on the Fun part of it and try to have a Laugh :huh: :huh: :huh: I wish everybody a Jolly good Weekend ... Cheers..

[vitorio]

Hi all:

The comments are really strong since I belief this group knowledge is really above average by a mile and tech savvy.

Sooner or later the other people will reach (catch) you.

[dMog]

how did this get form the posted topic to the last post made... if you want to argue religion go to a different forum that welcomes that type of back and forth..but my experience is that neither side can move from no tolerate the other side...that is for people who like to argue in any case