Not all students will become scientists or engineers. But science and technology occupy ever-expanding places in our everyday lives. As citizens, we are asked to make decisions about social issues that involve science and technology. As workers, we have occupations that increasingly involve science and technology. In the 21st century, adults will need to be comfortable and competent in a complex scientific and technological world.
Schools have the responsibility of preparing students for the future.
T his kind of literacy in science does not come easily. Teaching students to become literate in science is more about asking them questions and helping them find answers than telling them everything they need to know. Imagine a classroom where students are excited about science, not fearing its complexity. A classroom where teachers pose challenging and developmentally appropriate problems for students, help them set up relevant investigations and encourage them to think about what the results of these investigations mean. Where teachers explain science concepts to students, but only in the context of investigations, when explanations are most meaningful.