Davidson, et al., opine that 16 years into the 21st Century, many are dismayed at the resiliency of skepticism about science in the U.S. On wide-ranging subjects, such as vaccinations, genetically modified foods. climate change, evolution, and the age and origin of the Earth and universe, a sizable percentage of the population continues to hold and promote views that run counter to common scientific understanding. An oft-cited Gallup poll (2015) illustrates the lack of progress. In l982, a question was posed regarding beliefs about human evolution. At the time, 44% believed God made humans in their present form. After a quarter century of improved educational materials, upgraded K-12 science standards, and several successful court battles to curb anti-science influences, that number has remained essentially unchanged.
The last poll in 2014 pegged the number at 42% (Gallup, 2015). Other polls tell a similar story. A 2014 poll by the AP found that 4 out of 10 people in the U.S. have doubts about the validity of a 4.5-billion year history for the Earth and about the evolution of life forms through a process of natural selection. A 51% majority is skeptical about the Big Bang. The Pew Foundation took a different approach. asking people whether they thought scientists were in agreement on these topics. More than half the people surveyed believe scientists are currently divided on the origin of the universe, and more than a third believe scientists still lack internal consensus on evolution. The outlook for the near future is not encouraging. There are reports that nearly 75% of high-school science teachers are reluctant or unwilling to teach evolution or ancient earth history. According to their survey, 13% of science teachers reject evolution outright, while an additional 60% ride the fence, being uncertain of the veracity of scientific evidence or simply fearful of generating controversy. This leaves 27% having the guts to promote good science, openly.
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