Elements of Science Literacy Science education has relevance for the learner, since it enables him or her to understand, in an active way, how the natural world is organized and interrelated, and how it changes and interacts with the human-designed world. There are four elements that when combined holistically define science literacy. These elements lead to the development of the attributes necessary for lifelong learning and the ability to apply what has been learned. More importantly, they can use these same abilities to understand new and different content that they encounter later. These abilities are increasingly important in this rapidly evolving scientific-technological society, particularly with respect to the benefits and challenges of technology.
Technology is neutral in itself.
It is the application by humans that can make it beneficial or harmful. Decisions about the use of technology have wide-ranging effects. This factor makes a scientifically literate population crucial in our current society. Modern work is entirely too complex for a small group of managers to possess all the answers and solutions. Evaluating the use of technology by society, and its impact on society, requires the problem-solving skills and the nurtured science reasoning skills to verify assumptions and consider consequences.