Making Science Make Sense

Bayer Facts of Science Education Survey

Parents' Attitudes Toward Science And Technology

• All parents (100 percent) feel science and technology are important to the nation's economic prosperity and national security and most (86 percent) feel it is very important.
  
  
• Parents also recognize the importance for people today to be scientifically literate, regardless of whether or not they work in science and engineering fields (S&E). Almost all parents (98 percent) say that a basic level of science literacy for those not working in S&E fields is important, with two-thirds (65 percent) saying it is very important.
  
  
• Nearly eight in 10 (79 percent) consider themselves science literate.

*Seven in ten (71 percent) African American parents consider themselves science literate.

Unless otherwise indicated, these findings refer to the national sample of 1,000 parents. In general, the responses of the under-represented minority parents were similar. Notable differences are indicated in italics where applicable.


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