How to boost interest in science.

Television and comic books teach children more science than they are given credit for, according to a survey by Purdue University. More than 30,000 students in Indiana and the Chicago area were asked who is most influential in their lives in promoting science. By an overwhelming majority, their first choices were the characters from "Star Trek: The Next Generation" and the original "Star Trek" television programs. Other top-10 finishers were parents; teachers; the TV show "Beekman's World"; NASA and astronauts; Steven Spielberg and George Lucas movies; Mr. Wizard; authors Michael Crichton, Isaac Asimov, and Carl Sagan; scientist Stephen Hawking; and many of the Marvel Comics characters, especially X-Men and Spider-Man.

Harry Kloor, director of corporate relations for Purdue's physics department, points out that "Shows that deal with innovative science are interesting. The enjoyability of the program may make the kids watch, but it's the science that makes them ask questions. The shows spark their imaginations, which is a big part of science."

He says students often ask questions about how things work on "Star Trek." "For example, people on the show are...