Ironic as it is, the news seems to be berating America for how its science education is falling behind that of other nations as much as it spends time actually airing science programs. Although our nation has improved significantly since 2006, where the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) indicated us as ranking 29th worldwide in terms of high schooler science comprehension, the room for improvement is definitely still there.

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National Board Certified Skyline teacher Gretel von Bargen expressed in disbelief that “I read a news story once that out of a 60 minute news show, less than an average of 30 seconds was devoted to science related news. Even though science has a DIRECT impact on all news that is reported, it isn’t made apparent to the public, so the connection and importance of science isn’t understood by the general public”. On the other hand, she appeared cheerful that “I don’t think there has to be a change in the programming neccessarily, just an emphasis on how science relates and is applicable to EVERYTHING”. Senior Jack Li, incumbent chemistry club treasurer and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) whiz, pessimistically and bluntly lamented “I don’t think TV can influence people into becoming scientists as long as the education system is 80% focused on humanities”.

Addressing what is there for viewers to enjoy, most science featured on TV takes the form of addressing new health discoveries like risk factors for cancer, examining controversial topics like stem cells, advocating environmental protection, or showing documentaries. Popular talking points for physics include the Large Hadron Collider and Mars Rover. The most well-received biology documentaries seem to be the esteemed David Attenborough’s Planet Earth and Blue Planet. For those interested in a prehistoric spin on things, BBC’s Walking with Monsters, Walking with Beasts, and Walking with Dinosaurs are good picks. Those who want even more dinosaur action may enjoy Discovery Channel’s When Dinosaurs Roamed America or History Channel’s Jurassic Fight Club. NOVA seems to be a favorite among physics enthusiasts.

However, both Li and von Bargen conceded that their favorite science new sources are actually video clips online and podcasts from Scientific American or NPR’s “Science Friday” show.