New York, Feb 17 (IANS): A recent poll by the National Science Foundation (NSF) here shows that around one in four Americans is unaware that the earth orbits the sun!

The NSF poll surveyed 2,200 people who were asked 10 questions about physical and biological sciences.

On average, the score was 6.5 out of 10 - barely a passing grade.

Only 48 percent of respondents believed humans evolved from other species of animals while 39 percent said they believed in the Big Bang.

Meanwhile, about 90 percent of respondents were enthusiastic about science and one in three thought it should get more government funding.

“Americans’ understanding about topics such as science and technology depend in part on how much exposure they get to such content throughout their life, as well how much attention they pay to such content," said the poll by NSF, a US government agency that supports fundamental research and education in all the non-medical fields of science and engineering.

Exposure and attention to science and technology can make residents more informed, shape attitudes, and help them make decisions that are better for themselves, their families, and their communities, it added.

The biennial survey would be presented to US president Barack Obama and Congress.