Science for all and scientific literacy

Science for all: Background Factors Responsible for Emergence of the Trend Implications for Science Education Scientific Literacy: Introduction Definitions Why Variety of Definitions?

Science for All

Post WWII Post Sputnik Launching Era 20th centurys unprecedented growth in Science Technology and in all other fields of knowledge Transformation of Society into a knowledge based society

Dimensions of Science for all

Access to science education a) Equity in provision of science education Physical access, programs, methodology, students needs and interests, contents

Scientific literacy: Origins & Historical Background

Paul Dehard Hurst first used it in his publication entitled Scientific Literacy in 1957 Legitimizing the concept 1957 1963 Interpretation and definition of the term 1963 onwards Multiple and varied definitions: 1070s - 1980

DEFINITIONS
Pella et al. (1966) based on review of literature published during 1946 1964 Interrelationship of sci. & Tech, Ethics that control Scientific Research Nature of Science Difference between Science & Society Basic Concepts of Science\ Interrelationship of Science & Technology

 Showalter (1974) identified seven dimentions of SL: 1. NOS 2. Application of scientific knowledge 3. Use of science processess in solving problems 4. Interacts with various aspects of the universe in conformity with underlying values of science 5. Comprehension of sci. & Tech, as joint enterprise having mutual relationship and relationship with the society 6. Has acquired manipulated skills associated with science and technology

 Shen (1974) three major dimensions of SL 1. Practical application of scientific knowledgein solving problems 2. Civic related to understanding of science tech related public issues 3. Cultural Science as a major human activity

 Milter (1983) also identified three dimensions of SL 1. Understanding of NOS 2. Understanding of scientific knowledge 3. Understanding of impacts of sci. & Techon society

Factors Responsible for varied Definitions

Interest Groups Sci. Educationists. Focus: Why, What, How and to whom Social Scientists. Focus: Public opinion, knowledge, attitudes Sociologists: Focus: How public interpret scientific knowledge and how publics trusts, access motivation effect their support for scientific activity Informal and non formal science community