Scientific Literacy
Time Frame/Year: 1960's-1980's
Sponsor: Paul DeHart Hurd
Aim of the Movement:
The goal of the Scientific Literacy movement was to provide an education for all students, not just those going into the science field. It also emphasized that education be socially relevant, preparing students with the knowledge necessary to deal with pressing social issues such as global warming, hunger and overpopulation. Creating a relationship between science and social concerns would thereby increase the students' interest-level as well.
Major Impact on Science Education:
This movement placed even more importance on a quality science education as it asserted students who are scientifically literate would be better able to answer everyday, important questions. Science was also connected to many other subject areas during this time period, including the relationship between science and technology.
Long Term Contribution
The term "Scientifically Literate" is still part of the science educators' vernacular today even though the movement is more than fifty years old. It was also during this era that the idea of basing instruction on students' individual ability came about, which we know today as differentiated instruction. Social relevancy is also still a key component to current science curriculums.
Time Frame/Year: 1960's-1980's
Sponsor: Paul DeHart Hurd
Aim of the Movement:
The goal of the Scientific Literacy movement was to provide an education for all students, not just those going into the science field. It also emphasized that education be socially relevant, preparing students with the knowledge necessary to deal with pressing social issues such as global warming, hunger and overpopulation. Creating a relationship between science and social concerns would thereby increase the students' interest-level as well.
Major Impact on Science Education:
This movement placed even more importance on a quality science education as it asserted students who are scientifically literate would be better able to answer everyday, important questions. Science was also connected to many other subject areas during this time period, including the relationship between science and technology.
Long Term Contribution
The term "Scientifically Literate" is still part of the science educators' vernacular today even though the movement is more than fifty years old. It was also during this era that the idea of basing instruction on students' individual ability came about, which we know today as differentiated instruction. Social relevancy is also still a key component to current science curriculums.