Who Needs Science?

A recent Harris Poll revealed the following:
53% of Americans polled know it takes the Earth one year to revolve around the Sun.
40% of Americans polled know that dinosaurs and humans did not live at the same time.
47% know that about 70% of the Earth's surface is covered by water.
Put another way, can it be possible that 60% of those polled think dinosaurs and humans coexisted?? I find that to be suspect. Nevertheless, I think these findings are pathetic! Pathetic, but, unfortunately, not surprising. Much of this dismal situation can be laid at the feet of parents. If they're not talking about science or at least showing interest in matters of a scientific nature, then certainly their children won't. Unfortunately, I find this attitude prevalent throughout American culture. All together too many Americans don't regard science as being very important unless it involves the profit motive in some way. For a very obvious example of this trend you needn't look further than the last administration. No one had more contempt for the field of science than Bush & Cheney. But parents and politicians are not totally to blame. The schools play their part too. I remember back in the day I was always struggling to find time to teach science. Other things seemed to take precedence, i.e. state mandated 'conflict resolution' discussion groups. When it wasn't the state getting in the way, it was an administration who did not value science education. It's a shame because children love science when taught correctly. I can see great interest in science in my grand children(see blogs dated Feb. 7th & 8th). Certainly they're not doing controlled experiments but experimenting they are. And they are extremely hungry for facts. You should hear my 5 year old grand daughter talk about dinosaurs, the human body, rocks and the planets to mention a few. Her parents and preschool experience are responsible for this. I hope it continues into elementary school and beyond. Then, maybe the dismal poll results cited above will improve.