2009: THE YEAR OF SCIENCE: PUBLIC UNDERSTANDING OF SCIENCE

The South Dakota Academy of Science is a member of The Coalition for the Public Understanding of Science. As Coalition members celebrate 2009 as the Year of Science, their goal is to promote public understanding of the process and nature of science. Research indicates that the public admires science and scientists but the public’s poor understanding of the nature of science may lead to skepticism or indifference. The objective of my review is to suggest reasons for skepticism that, when understood, might improve science communication with the public. Poor understanding and skepticism may stem from inadequate science education or unrealistic expectations of what science can offer. I have categorized major reasons for public skepticsm into “bottom up” problems with the nature of science and scientists, and “top down” problems with public expectations of science, media coverage of science, and public confusion because of religion, political interference, or manufactured doubt. The Year of Science offers a three-part solution: 1) the Coalition’s activities through regional and thematic hubs build networks among scientists, 2) the “centerpiece” Year of Science nationwide event and web site calls public attention to science, and 3) novel information for educators on the Understanding Science web site might improve education and public understanding of science.