Remember when Sputnik was launched and it caused a hysteria about how far behind America was in science and technology? Me, either. What I do remember is the cure was inadequate for the disease. I was in school when science moved up in importance in education and teachers started having students read chapters in science textbooks and write out answers to the questions at the end of each section. Science was being taught! Wow…
My first exposure to real science began with Mrs. Heiner, my middle school teacher who understood the impact of thinking and questioning in science. Mrs. Heiner put science into our hands by setting up experiments for us to do and even brought in an incubator so we could document chicken development by opening fertilized eggs every day. Most instruction was still done by the book, however, with the innocuous writing out answers to the questions at the end of each section.
Has Science Education Changed Much?
Science education hasn’t changed for many students since I was in school. Yes, they do more hands-on science, but the name of the game is still a predetermined outcome and reliance on memorizing skills. As stated in our earlier post, this isn’t scientific literacy, yet the U.S. and the world are increasingly dependent on scientifically literate citizens due to the rapid development of technology.
Why The Emphasis on Scientific Literacy?
So what does all of this have to do with the importance of scientific literacy? Everything. Societal changes are happening so rapidly, citizens must be able to understand problems and make difficult decisions about issues that will affect the quality of life for themselves and their children for decades. People have to make rational decisions based on deep understanding of science and determine if the solutions put forward have a solid footing in research based science.
According to Robert M. Hazen from the Carnegie Institution, scientific literacy’s importance can be highlighted in three different areas of a citizen’s life: civics, intellectual and aesthetics coherence. I would add the economic impact of science to the list as well.
Civics
Our ability to make informed decisions depends on our understanding of science. Should we continue fracking? Where should an oil pipeline be installed? Should a developer be able to drain wetlands for more housing? These problems have come up around the country in the last few years. If we do not understand the science underlying these issues, the welfare of a community may not be well served.
Intellectual Coherence
Try to separate science from our modern society. It isn’t easy, is it? A scientifically literate person understands how science is intricately woven into our world. Can you trace some inventions that have changed how we lived? Aside from computer technology, look inside your home. Investigate the journey technology took to whip eggs. My guess is you don’t use a whisk anymore. Think about how teaching has evolved based on research or how we know the Sun is the center of our universe. Most of us understand those connections. If you’ve taught science for a while, you understand how Einstein affected our understanding of gravity and journey several scientists took to validate Einstein. Intellectual coherence is the knowledge that societal advancement is dependent on scientific advances.
Aesthetics
Do we have to appreciate science to be a scientifically literate adult? You experience science from the minute you wake up until you go to sleep at night. Most of us know the basic laws of the universe. Even though vague, those laws are comforting as you realize the patterns of day and night, the seasons, the soothing sound of waves on a beach. An understanding of science allows us to appreciate the sheer beauty of our planet and the universe. You ask questions if you see a discrepant event and try to understand it with questions and investigations. Think of what wonder the scientifically illiterate person misses!
Economic Impact
Whenever Apple releases a new iPhone, there are lines blocks long to buy it for the new bells and whistles. Inkjet printers are now common in classrooms. Watches contain computers that allow you to tell time, search for information, answer email and text. Our furnaces are up to 97% more efficient now. Your new car has a backup camera, collision alert and let you know when you need air in your tires. The impact on our economy from new scientific discoveries and technological advances can’t be understated. Technology makes our lives easier and we are more than willing to pay for it. In fact, investment in science and technology has had a 30% return per year on investment over the last 50 years. Traditional investment have returned only 10% per year over the last 50 years.
America’s number of scientifically literate citizens is dismally low. Less than a third of college graduates understand science enough to make rational decisions on issues. That number decreases with a corresponding lack of post-secondary education. Yet, the majority of Americans want the U.S. to be a global leader in space, economics and technology. U.S. educators and educational institutions must – not have to or need to- begin tailoring science education to creating those scientifically literate citizens that are capable of separating the true from the false and making rational decisions for our society.