Chapter 19 Summary and Analysis

Why do young American children ask such great, inquisitive questions about science and the universe? Yet, by the time they reach high school, they seemingly have no more native curiosity left? Why are Americans, who pioneered the airplane, telegraph, telephone, electric light and computers, behind other nations in science comprehension among students? Could these dismal facts be signs of a science phobia? Sagan asks.

Too often, teachers don't know how to teach any better than students know how to learn, according to Sagan. Part of the problem may lie in the rate of change in our knowledge base, which complicates the art of passing along to the next generation the skills, wisdom and tools used by successful adults. Part may be accounted for by the fact adults often seem uncomfortable when children ask truly important, or even irreverent, questions. The message...