According to a Gallup Organization poll released today, Americans believe that national security depends on science and technology, but science education isn't adequate to produce a new generation of scientists or create scientific literacy.
The survey, "Bayer Facts of Science Education IX: Americans' Views on the Role of Science and Technology in US National Defense," says that 90% of Americans believe "a strong national science and technology capability is a critical component of US security" at home and overseas. The report, commissioned by the Bayer Corporation, also says that eight in 10 Americans believe science and technology are "very important" in helping the US meet future terrorist threats.
But Americans lack confidence in the ability of science education to prepare future scientists to meet the security challenge. Nine of 10 respondents said they are "very concerned" or "somewhat concerned" that "today's students may not have the math and science skills ...
