To calculate means to express a relation of values. But while numbers express the magnitude of a relation, the meaning of the relation is founded on an understanding of the exactness and validity of the calculation. I can identify two steps in achieving scientific literacy. Rules can be learned without the relation to contextual meaning. Indeed, not to understand the difference between the meaning of rules and context of a sentence is not to understand the difference between a dictionary and a poem.
Rules structure an activity and give direction to a task.
Mastering the rules gives a sense of accomplishment. The need for free public education There can be only one goal for our public schools - free education of our children. Education is a privilege and a necessity for a democratic society. Yet the right to learn is mistaken as a guarantee to succeed and the hard work of learning disguised as entertainment. Fun does not create knowledge, knowledge creates fun.