Kids are putting their parents to shame when it comes to their knowledge of science, technology, engineering and maths, according to a study.
Researchers who polled parents with children aged five to 13 found the mere thought of having to help their kids with anything related to these subjects leaves a third 'feeling ill.'
Half openly admitted they know less about science than their offspring - and the same goes for technology (44 per cent), engineering (25 per cent) and maths (38 per cent).
In fact, 48 per cent of parents don't even know what the collective term or acronym for these subjects - STEM - stands for.
And while familiar to children as part of the national curriculum, terms such as Boolean logic (79 per cent), binary code (46 per cent), hexadecimal (68 per cent), and Raspberry Pi (64 per cent) draw a blank with mums and dads.
How do you feel about helping your kids with their homework? Have your say in the comment section
The research was commissioned by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) ahead of its free Engineering Open House Day event which takes place on Friday July 23.
Presented by CBeebies host Maddie Moate and BBC Science Broadcaster Greg Foot, the event will be packed with experiments, special guests and follow-along-at-home demos, with the content available afterwards to everyone all summer long.
Professor Danielle George, president of the IET, said: "I've always felt passionately about our role in inspiring the next generation of engineers, app developers and astronauts.
"But today's study has uncovered some gaps in parents' STEM knowledge which can make it hard for them to engage with the subject with their kids.
Follow all the latest news by signing up to one of the Mirror's newsletters
"Engineering Open House Day offers mums and dads everywhere great activities to help them get stuck into science and technology and to encourage their children to take part in, and engage with, the world of STEM."
However, it is not just the modern STEM curriculum that baffles parents.
The study found that there are plenty of things they were also taught but have completely forgotten.
More than half of mums and dads polled no longer know what photosynthesis is, 68 per cent can't remember Pythagoras' theorem, and 54 per cent don't know how to do long division anymore.
Another 52 per cent can't calculate fractions, 61 per cent have no recollection of how to calculate the circumference of a circle, and 40 per cent don't know how many sides an octagon has.
Newton's law of universal gravitation is a mystery to 73 per cent, and for 47 per cent, so are prime numbers - while the same proportion can't recognise the symbol for pi.
Two thirds don't know the term which describes what happens when a liquid turns into a gas - evaporation - and 52 per cent don't know the boiling point of water.
And perhaps having an awareness of what they no longer know explains why 70 per cent think their children would gain a 'great deal of confidence' if they embraced STEM.
The research carried out through OnePoll also found two thirds wish they were taught this subject in the engaging and exciting manner kids are today.
Professor Danielle George added: "We've got a fantastic line-up for this year's virtual event and a number of wonderful organisations taking part.
"It's totally free to sign up so we really encourage as many parents and kids to do so as possible - it's the perfect antidote to boredom for families looking for fascinating, fun activities during the school holidays."
To register for the Engineering Open House Day click here https://www.engineer-a-better-world.org/engineering-open-house-day/
