THE IMPORTANCE OF SCIENTIFIC LITERACY IN EDUCATION

Abstract

Scientific literacy can be defined in multiple ways, from the way an individual processes scientific facts and concepts and interprets data to the way a community collectively interacts with scientific knowledge and processes. Scientific literacy skills are extremely important for the development of individuals: whether they are trained scientists or not, people frequently encounter science-related issues in their daily lives. In modern times, people are continually exposed to news about climate change, energy production, and health, exercise, and medicine. By investigating the development of scientific literacy skills and designing classroom or outreach activities to promote scientific literacy skills, science educators can help improve the literacy of students and society, which can lead to more informed decision-making by individuals. Whether students in the classroom are science majors or not, it is essential that they develop scientific literacy skills and promote them in their communities.