Millions of Brits struggle with DIY: They should have paid attention in science lessons
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More than one in three (36 percent) are utterly clueless about how a car engine functions, and nearly a quarter are confused by simple scientific concepts such as condensation or evaporation.
In fact, nearly half of adults believe any inadequacies they have in adult life are directly related to not paying enough attention during their school days.
Around one in ten even think they’d do a better job of keeping their energy bills down if their basic science knowledge was better.
It’s never too late to upgrade your knowledge of science, and its applications in modern life
Utilita spokesman
A spokesman for energy company Utilita, which commissioned the research as part of its energy efficiency education programme Energy High 5, said: “A little knowledge can go a long way.
“Some school topics, especially in a subject like science, may seem like they’ll never have a bearing on your day-to-day life when you get older.
“But knowing how fuel is turned into energy to power your car, or how electricity flows around your home, could make you think about its use – and end up saving you cash.”
The study also found 42 percent of adults believe their lives would be easier in “lots of ways” if they knew more about science.
Other areas of modern life impacted by a lack of science knowledge include cooking, keeping plants alive, and even understanding their washing machine settings.
Almost a quarter (22 percent) confess to not paying anywhere near as much attention to science lessons in school as they could have.
As a result, 53 percent have “no idea” what goes on inside their home’s all-important fuse box, and if there was an electrical issue in the house 18 percent would feel “petrified”.
A third of those polled via OnePoll would go as far as admitting that schoolchildren today know more about basic scientific theories than they do.
Of those respondents with children, 48 percent have vowed to make more of an effort to make sure their own kids pay attention to science classes, because of their importance later in life.
Knowing more about how energy works in the home wouldn’t only help financially, as nearly half (47 percent) feel being more science-savvy would help them live a greener lifestyle.
Utilita’s spokesperson added: “We have developed our Smart Score technology to help consumers to use up to 20 percent less energy – so, regardless of whether they are good at science or not, they should be able to keep bills down and help the environment at the same time.
“A lot of what’s involved is common sense, such as not leaving items on standby – but as this study shows, a knowledge of science goes a long way in helping to reduce energy consumption, too.
“The other good news is, it’s never too late to upgrade your knowledge of science, and its applications in modern life – to help bring energy use down.”
THINGS THOSE BAD AT SCIENCE STRUGGLE WITH MOST
- Dealing with anything electrical
- Wiring a plug
- DIY/decorating
- Keeping plants alive
- Swimming
- Baking
- Sleeping well
- Driving a car
- Understanding washing machine settings
- Maintaining healthy diet
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