1.
2 Scientific Literacy for Living and
To read famous scientists’
statements about the value of
scientific literacy,
GO TO NELSON SCIENCE
(a)
16 Chapter 1 • Living and Working with Science
Working in Canada
Scientific knowledge and technological innovations play an increasingly
important role in everyday life. New technologies are designed so that
the average person can use them without understanding how they work.
Many people feel that science and technology are too complex for most
of us to understand.
What Is Scientific Literacy?
Carl Sagan was a famous astronomer and author in the twentieth century.
He recognized the need to be scientifically and technologically literate.
In his book The Demon-Haunted World, Sagan said, “We’ve arranged a
global civilization in which the most crucial elements profoundly depend
on science and technology. We have also arranged things so that almost no
one understands science and technology. This is a prescription for disaster.
We might get away with it for a while, but sooner or later this combustible
mixture of ignorance and power will blow up in our faces.”
To make wise personal decisions and to act as a responsible citizen, it
is necessary to be scientifically and technologically literate. The Science
Teachers’ Association of Ontario (STAO) defines a scientifically and
technologically literate person as “one who can read and understand
common media reports about science and technology, critically evaluate
the information presented, and confidently engage in discussions and
decision-making activities regarding issues that involve science and
technology.”
Scientific Literacy for Careers in Science
Look around your classroom at your fellow science students. Some of you
will probably pursue post-secondary education and a career in scientific
research (Figure 1(a)). Others will find careers in medicine, geology,
engineering, and environmental science Figure 1(b) and (c). Generally,
employers hire individuals with strong critical-thinking and problem-
solving skills and who have the ability to work as part of a team. These skills
are emphasized throughout the entire science program.
(b) (c)
Figure 1 Some scientists conduct their research in laboratories. Others conduct their research in
the natural world.
NEL
 Canadians are actively working in a broad range of science disciplines.
They are world leaders in such areas as astronomy, space exploration,
medicine, genetics, environmental science, and information and
communication technology. These Canadians are directly or indirectly
responsible for a long list of scientific discoveries and technological
inventions and innovations. The theory of plate tectonics, the discovery
of insulin, the invention of the cardiac pacemaker, and the concept of
standard time have made significant contributions to people and societies
around the world.
Throughout this book, you will have opportunities to explore careers that
are related to the area of science under study. Wherever you see a Career
icon with the accompanying note in the margin of this book, you will
be directed to the Nelson website. There you will be guided to research the
education and training requirements for scientific careers and to find out
about the roles and responsibilities of these careers.

Scientific Literacy for Life and Citizenship

A small number of people work in jobs that are directly related to science.
However, every one of us is a citizen. Citizenship comes with certain
rights and responsibilities. One of our basic rights is to have access to
a full education. Along with that right comes the responsibility to use
that education for the benefit of oneself and of society. Because science
and technology influence our lives, it is important that we recognize and
understand this influence. We can then make rational and ethical decisions
about issues that affect us as individuals and as a society.
At some point in your life, you will have to make decisions about your
own lifestyle. You will need to understand about the different types of
medical diagnoses and the treatments available to you. It will also be in
your best interest to know which products to buy (Figure 2). You will have
to make decisions related to critical issues: climate change, environmental
pollution, the depletion of natural resources, the protection of species, new
medical technologies, space exploration, and world hunger.

Figure 2 Science and technology affect

the decisions we make every day.

NEL 1.2 Scientific Literacy for Living and Working in Canada 17

 As a society, we need to consider both the positive and the negative
impacts of developing and using scientific knowledge and new technologies.
We cannot foresee all the possible consequences of these achievements.
However, we must be aware of the positive and the negative implications
of new technologies. If we fail to do so, we may get some very unpleasant
surprises after the technology has been adopted.
It is important to understand the basic concepts of science. However,
it is impossible to know everything about science or to be aware of all the
new scientific discoveries and technological advances. To achieve scientific
literacy, it is just as important to learn about science as it is to learn science.
It is important to know what science can do, to know that knowledge
produced by science is reliable, and to know that science—despite its
limitations—is the best way to learn about the world. It is just as important
to be able to find and evaluate information and to use that information in
making decisions.
A scientifically literate person understands that the future will be very
different from the present. There are always new developments in science
and technology. He or she also understands that society influences science
and technology as much as science and technology influence society.
Achieving scientific literacy is not the same as preparing to be a scientist.
It is equally important to everyone, whether you are a a small-business
person, a lawyer, a construction worker, a car mechanic, a travel agent, a
doctor, an engineer, or a research scientist. Regardless of your plans and
ambitions, achieving a level of scientific literacy is an important goal.

IN SUMMARY
• Scientifi c literacy helps people to understand • Specifi c scientifi c knowledge and skills are
and evaluate information relating to science and necessary for a wide range of careers.
technology in the world so that they make better • Canadians have made valuable contributions
decisions. to the development of science and technology
• A general understanding of science is necessary around the world.
to be an informed citizen.

18 Chapter 1 • Living and Working with Science NEL