science education

“Nonetheless, for all the dangers this populism poses, it should make us consider why there has been such a loss of trust in science and scientific authority.

Our world faces many serious problems. Just under one billion people do not have electricity. Millions die every year in abject poverty due to lack of access to basic necessities, such as clean food and water and healthcare.

It's not a secret that the average person is scientifically illiterate. The question is, "Just how scientifically illiterate?" The answer is appalling.

How can you identify a scientifically ignorant person? Ask him if he's concerned about the health effects of GMOs. If the answer is yes, you've identified somebody who probably couldn't pass an 8th grade science test.

Most people are stunned when I tell them that, in high school, I took organic chemistry, microbiology, genetics, and anatomy & physiology. But it's 100% true.

The job ad is appalling. NPR, which to its credit at least attempts to cover science and health, is looking for a new Science Editor. Unfortunately, actually being trained in science is not required for the job.

One of my favorite movie lines comes from 10 Things I Hate About You. The father, Walter Stratford, is giving advice to his oldest daughter, Kat:

New polling data from Pew shows that most Americans don't consume any science news whatsoever.

Literacy is typically defined as the ability to read and write and do basic math. However, in the 21st Century, that is simply insufficient.

On one thing at least, almost all Americans agree: This election cycle has been too long and depressing.