While home with the flu yesterday, I watched several episodes of Discovery Channel's Cash Cab – the surprisingly entertaining show where unsuspecting New York cab riders are invited to participate in a quiz show (and win cash) while riding in a cab to their destination.
Almost every "ride" featured a basic science/health trivia question. A sampling:
- In 1953, scientists Watson and rick discovered that DNA takes what unique shape?
- Atoms are really tiny. What is their even-smaller center called?
- In what tube does the fertilization of a woman’s egg normally take place?
- What famed Italian astronomer discovered three of Jupiter’s moons in 1610?
- Often invoked as a political metaphor, what scientific test determines if a substance is an acid or a base?
- What fatty acid identified by the FDA is beneficial in fighting heart disease?
- Co-opted by a 1980's television show, what occurs when an electron jumps from one energy level to another?
Of note - the contestants answered every single one of these questions correctly. I was quite impressed. And it wasn't all New Yorkers, either. There were several groups of tourists as well.
The National Science Foundation conducts a survey of public scientific knowledge every year, asking true/false questions that in many ways are easier than those above. Scores vary by educational background, typically ranging from 40% (< high school) to 75% (graduate study) correct.
So how well can you do? Post your answers in the comments below and I'll share the answers in a few days.
Comments
1. Double helix
2. Nucleus
3. Fallopian tube
4. Galileo
5. Litmus test
6. Omega-3 fatty acids
7. Quantum leap
I love the show Cash Cab, and while in your experience every science question was answered correctly, I have certainly observed the exact opposite, to my frustration. But some people's expertise is another's weakness, and I don't take for granted that I have studied scientific subjects non-stop for most of my life. With that said, I only got 5 out of 7 correct! In my defense though, Galileo is more of a history question, and my knowledge of 80's television didn't come up with a show entitled "A photon is emitted." ;)
Hello Guys I like This Post Its All About show Cash Cab i love it
Good Work Keep It Up
i really only knew #3. although i like the show science have never been my strong suit. love the article though.
Hi there i watch Cash Cabs too, but i knew just 3,4 and 6, but Michael Kennedy answered :( Well, that was fun to spend few minutes and think about world secrets, rather just work. Hope to see more articles from you! See you soon, Justas.
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