Literacy is the ability to navigate, interpret, and
contribute within a culture. Cultures could be social constructs or specific disciplines. For this post I will discuss scientific literacy.
| from Discover magazine: http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/intersection/2009/03/17/what-is-scientific-literacy/ |
Paul deHard first defined scientific literacy in 1958 as “the
understanding
of science in relation to our civic and social experiences, which is essential
for participation in this science/technology-based democracy.”
According to the National
Academies:
“Scientific literacy is the knowledge and understanding of scientific
concepts and processes required for personal decision making, participation in
civic and cultural affairs, and economic productivity. Scientific literacy
means that a person can ask, find, or determine answers to questions derived
from curiosity about everyday experiences. It means that a person has the
ability to describe, explain, and predict natural phenomena. Scientific
literacy entails being able to read with understanding articles about science
in the popular press and to engage in social conversation about the validity of
the conclusions. Scientific literacy implies that a person can identify
scientific issues underlying national and local decisions and express positions
that are scientifically and technologically informed. A literate citizen should
be able to evaluate the quality of scientific information on the basis of its
source and the methods used to generate it. Scientific literacy also implies
the capacity to pose and evaluate arguments based on evidence and to apply
conclusions from such arguments appropriately.”
Literacy of science as well as language, computers, finance and other disciplines
is a key component of a functional productive society.
I like your definitions, Hilary. This week in my "Water and Oil" class, I found myself feeling very scientifically illiterate. Several of my classmates were discussing the oil industry, fracking, and various kinds of alternative fuels and how they worked. I just sat back in the MOO observing their discussion with very little to contribute. Some were arguing about what types of fuel are most efficient and the only way I could relate was that that I drive a car! I felt a little silly. This motivated me to look more into these industries because as you said, educating myself is "essential for participation in this science and technology based society." Knowledge is power, right? :)
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