Science Literacy

Literacy, as we think of it, is the ability to read and comprehend a text. As I have learned over the past semester, literacy is much broader and more encompassing than just reading and comprehending what one reads.
The National Science Education Standards have set a list of standards for scientific literacy:
     A scientifically literate person can...

1. Ask/find answers to questions that come about in everyday life.
2. Describe and explain natural phenomena.
3. Read science article is popular press and hold a social conversation about the topics and their conclusions.
4. Identify the science in politics and make an informed decision based on a knowledge of science and technology.
5. Evaluate the quality of  information based on its source and methods used.
6. Create and evaluate arguments based on evidence.

These often are paired with a list of Scientific Literacy goals:

1. Ability to ask and explore a question.
2. Collect, organize, present, and analyze data.
3. Draw and evaluate conclusions.
4. Use deductive reasoning.
5. Problem solve.

Never thought that literacy is more than just being able to read and write? Think again! Literacy is everywhere.