Researchers Alarmed By Reports Of Public's Lack Of Scientific Knowledge

Scientific Knowledge Author: KAREN YOUNG KREEGER, pp.3 Date: June 27,1994 A recent survey by the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) in New York confirms what scientists across the United States have been fearing for some time: Despite their professed interest and confidence in science, Americans' understanding of the natural and physical world remains disturbingly low. Researchers say that it is imperative to the future of

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Scientific Knowledge Author: KAREN YOUNG KREEGER, pp.3
Date: June 27,1994

A recent survey by the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) in New York confirms what scientists across the United States have been fearing for some time: Despite their professed interest and confidence in science, Americans' understanding of the natural and physical world remains disturbingly low.

Researchers say that it is imperative to the future of the nation that this situation be reversed. "However you cut it, you become alarmed." says Bonnie Kalberer, director of the National Institutes of Health's office of science education. "Every day, people are having to deal more and more with scientific, technical, and mathematical issues. And, if they're not prepared for that, one could say your whole democratic system is in jeopardy."

To counter what they perceive as a dangerous level of ignorance, scientists interviewed for this article say, they must mobilize themselves to make ...

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