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Scientific Literacy and Critical Thinking Skills: Nurturing a Better Future

Scientific literacy and critical thinking are essential components of a well-rounded education, preparing students to better understand the world we live in and make informed decisions. As science and technology continue to advance and impact various aspects of our lives, it is increasingly important for individuals to develop the ability to think critically about scientific information, fostering a deeper understanding of the implications and consequences of such advancements. By fostering scientific literacy, students become equipped with the knowledge and skills to actively engage with science-related issues in a responsible and informed manner.

The development of critical thinking skills is crucial not only within the realm of science, but across all disciplines and aspects of life. These skills enable individuals to analyze, evaluate, and synthesize information—essential attributes for navigating the modern world. As science communication and dissemination become more widespread, having the ability to critically assess validity, objectivity, and authority is paramount to being a responsible and engaged citizen.

Focusing on scientific literacy and critical thinking in education prepares students for a world where science and technology play a pivotal role across numerous fields. By cultivating these capacities, students will be better prepared to face complex issues and tasks, contribute positively to society, and pave the way for continued advancements and innovations.

Key Concepts and Principles

Science education foundations.

Scientific literacy and critical thinking are essential components of a well-rounded science education. These foundational skills equip students with the ability to understand key concepts, develop scientific reasoning, and utilize scientific knowledge for personal and social purposes as defined in Science for All Americans .

A strong science education involves:

• Acquiring scientific knowledge and understanding the core concepts of various disciplines
• Developing the ability to analyze and evaluate scientific claims and arguments
• Enhancing writing and communication skills to effectively convey scientific ideas

By focusing on these elements, educators empower students to think and function as responsible citizens in an increasingly science-driven world.

Metacognition and Reflection

Metacognition, or the process of thinking about one’s own thinking, plays a crucial role in fostering critical thinking skills in science education. Cambridge highlights key steps in the critical thinking process, which include:

• Identifying a problem and asking questions about that problem
• Selecting information to respond to the problem and evaluating it
• Drawing conclusions from the evidence

By incorporating metacognitive strategies and promoting reflection throughout the learning process, educators enable students to actively engage with scientific concepts, building a deeper understanding and fostering critical thinking abilities.

In summary, a well-rounded science education places emphasis on the development of scientific literacy and critical thinking skills, based on a strong foundation in core concepts and knowledge. Incorporating metacognitive strategies and promoting reflection throughout the learning process further enhances these skills, equipping students for success in their future scientific endeavors. Remember to maintain a confident, knowledgeable, neutral, and clear tone of voice when discussing these topics.

Curriculum and Pedagogy

Teaching and learning approaches.

Teaching and learning approaches play a crucial role in promoting scientific literacy and critical thinking skills among students. One effective strategy for encouraging these skills is to create a thinking-based classroom, where the learning environment is shaped to support thinking and create opportunities for students to engage in scientific concepts 1 .

Educators can achieve this by incorporating a variety of pedagogical techniques, such as:

• Scaffolded instruction : Gradually develop students’ understanding by modeling, guided instruction, and eventually allowing students to take ownership of their learning.
• Inquiry-based learning : Encourage exploration and questions to build understanding of scientific concepts.
• Collaborative learning : Use group projects and discussions to inspire debate and foster interaction among students, allowing them to learn from one another’s perspectives.

Incorporating Argumentation and Experimentation

Argumentation and experimentation are key components of scientific inquiry that contribute to students’ scientific literacy and critical thinking skills:

• Argumentation : Incorporating argumentation in the curriculum helps students learn how to construct, evaluate, and refine scientific claims based on evidence 2 . This can be done through structured debates, teaching students to craft written scientific arguments, and evaluating peer arguments in a constructive manner.
• Experimentation : Encouraging students to engage in hands-on experimentation allows them to explore scientific concepts more deeply while fostering their critical thinking skills 3 . Providing opportunities for experimentation can include designing experiments, carrying them out, analyzing data, and drawing conclusions.

By incorporating these teaching and learning approaches, as well as focusing on argumentation and experimentation, educators can effectively promote scientific literacy and critical thinking skills in their curriculum and pedagogy.

Assessing Scientific Literacy and Critical Thinking Skills

Test instruments and procedures.

There are various test instruments designed to assess students’ scientific literacy and critical thinking skills. One such instrument is the Test of Scientific Literacy Skills (TOSLS) , which focuses on measuring skills related to essential aspects of scientific literacy, such as:

• Recognizing and analyzing the use of methods of inquiry that lead to scientific knowledge
• Organizing, analyzing, and interpreting quantitative data and scientific information

The TOSLS is a multiple-choice test that allows educators to evaluate students’ understanding of scientific reasoning and their ability to apply scientific concepts in real-life situations.

Apart from standardized tests, it is crucial to incorporate critical thinking into everyday learning activities. Educators may use various methods, such as discussing complex scientific problems within the context of current events and engaging students in collaborative problem-solving tasks.

International Comparisons

When evaluating scientific literacy and critical thinking skills, it is helpful to put the findings into a broader context by comparing them with international standards and benchmarks. One significant international study is the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) , which measures the knowledge and skills of 15-year-olds in reading, math, and science every three years. PISA assesses students based on their abilities to use their scientific knowledge for:

• Identifying scientific issues
• Explaining phenomena scientifically
• Evaluating and designing scientific enquires

By evaluating and comparing students’ performance across different countries, PISA contributes to a deeper understanding of different strategies and curricula used to foster scientific literacy and critical thinking skills in different educational contexts.

In conclusion, the assessment of scientific literacy and critical thinking skills is critical for evaluating the quality of science education. By using well-validated test instruments and comparing students’ performance internationally, educators can better understand the effectiveness of different teaching strategies and work to improve science literacy and critical thinking skills for all students.

Factors Influencing Performance and Motivation

Role of gender in physics education.

Research indicates that gender plays a significant role in students’ performance and motivation in physics education. Male and female students exhibit different levels of interest and confidence in the subject, which impact their academic achievements. A correlational study found a positive relationship between critical thinking skills and scientific literacy in both genders but did not identify any significant correlation between gender and these skills.

It is essential to recognize and address these gender differences when designing curriculum and learning environments to encourage equal participation and confidence in physics education for all students.

Decision Making and Problem-Solving

Developing strong decision-making and problem-solving skills are crucial components of scientific literacy. These skills enable students to apply scientific concepts and principles in real-world situations while reinforcing a more humanistic culture based on rational thinking, as highlighted in this article .

• Motivation : A student’s motivation to learn and engage in scientific activities plays a vital role in the development of their decision-making and problem-solving skills. High motivation levels promote curiosity, actively seeking knowledge, and persistence in solving complex problems.
• Correlation analysis : Studies have shown a positive relationship between scientific literacy, critical thinking, and the ability to use scientific knowledge for personal and social purposes. This correlation underlines the importance of fostering these skills in the education system.

When incorporating decision-making and problem-solving skills into science education, focus should be placed on engaging students in critical thinking exercises and creating a conducive learning environment that encourages curiosity, exploration, and collaboration.

Scientific Literacy in Everyday Life

Interpreting news reports.

Scientific literacy plays a crucial role in interpreting news reports. A confident, knowledgeable, and neutral understanding of scientific principles and facts allows individuals to critically evaluate the claims made in news articles or television segments, and determine the validity of the information presented.

For example, when encountering a news report about a new health study, it is essential to consider sample size, research methodology, and potential conflicts of interest among the researchers. A clear understanding of these factors can help prevent the spread of misinformation and promote informed decision-making.

Moreover, separating scientific facts from theories enables individuals to better grasp the certainty and uncertainty surrounding the news report. This distinction is crucial for discerning the current state of scientific knowledge and identifying areas where more research is needed.

Understanding and Evaluating Scientific Facts

Maintaining a neutral and clear perspective on science allows individuals to effectively understand and evaluate scientific facts. This involves understanding the difference between facts , which are verifiable pieces of information, and theories , which are well-substantiated explanations for observable phenomena.

For instance, the recognition that the Earth revolves around the Sun is a fact, while the theory of evolution provides a comprehensive explanation of the origin and development of species. Developing the ability to analyze and contextualize scientific information is crucial for forming well-grounded opinions and engaging in informed discussions.

Moreover, the promotion of scientific literacy allows for the appreciation of the interrelatedness of scientific disciplines. This comprehensive understanding can enhance the assessment of scientific facts and their implications in various aspects of daily life, such as making informed choices about healthcare, technology, and environmental issues. Keeping these considerations in mind, fostering scientific literacy and critical thinking skills are essential for responsible citizenship and decision-making in the modern world.

Future Research Agenda

Developing scientific literacy and critical thinking skills is crucial in today’s world, both for individual success and society as a whole. Consequently, a future research agenda exploring these areas is essential, particularly in relation to high school students as they prepare to become responsible citizens.

One of the key issues to address within this agenda is the relationship between science knowledge and attitudes toward science. This includes assessing whether a significant correlation exists between improved scientific understanding and more positive attitudes towards the scientific method and scientific discovery. Gaining insights into this aspect will help guide the development of educational resources and methodologies to foster a more science-minded society.

Another area of interest is the utility of scientific literacy in various career and life contexts. This would involve studying how scientific literacy can be applied to non-science fields, and how it influences individuals’ decision-making processes and problem-solving abilities.

Moreover, research should explore the relationship between science literacy and other literacy skills , such as mathematics, reading comprehension, and writing. This may help educators develop interdisciplinary curricula that promote the growth of critical thinking abilities and scientific understanding simultaneously.

Furthermore, emphasizing the role of scientific literacy for citizens as decision-makers is crucial. It is important to examine how improved scientific literacy influences students’ capacities to evaluate information, engage in public discourse, and make informed choices on matters that involve scientific data or principles.

Lastly, it might be beneficial to investigate the impact of innovative teaching methods, such as transformative science education and futures thinking, on developing students’ scientific literacy and critical thinking abilities. By shedding light on possible approaches that foster these essential skills, researchers can contribute to the continuous evolution of science education.

In summary, focusing on these key threads in a future research agenda will be invaluable in promoting a deeper understanding of scientific literacy and critical thinking skills. By doing so, we can work towards equipping high school students with the tools required to navigate an increasingly complex and science-driven world.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of having scientific literacy and critical thinking skills.

Scientific literacy and critical thinking skills are essential for individuals to understand the world around them and make informed decisions. These skills enable people to differentiate science from pseudoscience and evaluate the credibility of information. Moreover, scientifically literate citizens are better equipped to participate in important societal discussions and contribute to policy-making processes.

How can educators effectively teach scientific literacy and critical thinking skills?

Educators can teach these skills by designing activities that promote critical thinking and scientific inquiry. For example, teachers can create learning experiences where students identify problems and ask questions about them, select relevant information, and draw conclusions based on evidence. Furthermore, incorporating case studies, group discussions, and scientific experiments into the curriculum can help students develop these skills.

What role does digital literacy play in promoting scientific literacy and critical thinking?

Digital literacy is an essential component in fostering scientific literacy and critical thinking. In today’s technology-driven world, individuals must be capable of navigating and evaluating online resources to access accurate information. Digital literacy skills, such as determining the credibility of websites and online articles, can help learners critically assess scientific information, weighing the evidence to form well-founded opinions.

How do life and career skills relate to scientific literacy and critical thinking?

Life and career skills, such as communication, problem solving, and adaptability, are intertwined with scientific literacy and critical thinking. These abilities are crucial in equipping individuals to face real-world challenges and make informed decisions in various fields, from science and technology to business and government. An understanding of scientific principles and the ability to think critically foster the development of crucial life and career skills that are increasingly sought-after in today’s world.

What’s the connection between problem-solving skills and scientific literacy?

Problem-solving skills are closely related to scientific literacy, as they empower individuals to analyze situations, identify problems, and devise appropriate solutions. Scientific literacy involves understanding scientific ways of knowing and thinking critically about the natural world. In essence, acquiring scientific literacy enables individuals to apply the principles and methods of science to problem-solving situations in various aspects of life.

How can reflective practice enhance critical thinking in science?

Reflective practice is a valuable tool in enhancing critical thinking skills in science. It involves examining one’s thoughts, actions, and experiences to learn and improve. By engaging in reflective practice, learners can identify personal biases, recognize gaps in their understanding, and determine ways to improve their scientific knowledge and thinking abilities. This process, in turn, promotes critical thinking and a deeper understanding of scientific concepts.

• Eight Instructional Strategies for Promoting Critical Thinking ↩
• Fostering Scientific Literacy and Critical Thinking in Elementary Science Education ↩
• The Biochemical Literacy Framework: Inviting pedagogical innovation in bioscience education ↩

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• J Microbiol Biol Educ
• v.24(2); 2023 Aug
• PMC10443302

Developing Science Literacy in Students and Society: Theory, Research, and Practice

Nicole c. kelp.

a Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA

Melissa McCartney

b Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, Florida, USA

Mark A. Sarvary

c Investigative Biology Teaching Laboratories, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA

Justin F. Shaffer

d Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, Golden, Colorado, USA

Michael J. Wolyniak

e Department of Biology, Hampden-Sydney College, Hampden-Sydney, Virginia, USA

The subject of scientific literacy has never been more critical to the scientific community as well as society in general. As opportunities to spread misinformation increase with the rise of new technologies, it is critical for society to have at its disposal the means for ensuring that its citizens possess the basic scientific literacy necessary to make critical decisions on topics like climate change, biotechnology, and other science-based issues. As the Guest Editors of this themed issue of the Journal of Microbiology and Biology Education , we present a wide array of techniques that the scientific community is using to promote scientific literacy in both academic and nonacademic settings. The diversity of the techniques presented here give us confidence that the scientific community will rise to the challenge of ensuring that our society will be prepared to make fact-based and wise decisions that will preserve and improve our quality of life.

Scientific literacy can be defined in multiple ways, from how an individual processes scientific facts and concepts and interprets scientific data to how a community collectively interacts with scientific knowledge and processes. Scientific literacy skills are incredibly important for people to develop: whether they are trained scientists or not, people encounter issues pertaining to science frequently in their daily lives. In modern times, people are continually exposed to news stories about climate change, energy production, and health, exercise, and medicine, not to mention the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. By investigating scientific literacy skill development and designing classroom or outreach activities to promote scientific literacy skills, we as science educators can help improve student and societal scientific literacy, which can lead to more-informed decision-making by individuals and societies. Whether the students in our classrooms are science majors or not, it is critical for them to develop science literacy skills and promote science literacy in their communities.

As scientists and science educators, we are passionate about promoting the science literacy of both our students and our society. The 2023 JMBE themed issue on “Scientific Literacy” will examine this concept from multiple angles, from theoretical frameworks to research on the impact of literacy interventions to practical tools for developing scientific literacy in diverse groups of learners. Here, we analyze a portion of these articles, sorted by major themes in scientific literacy that are represented in this special issue.

Theoretical frameworks that inform the development of scientific literacy

At the core of all great research studies is a theoretical framework. However, for a topic as complex as scientific literacy, how do you determine which framework is appropriate for your particular take on scientific literacy? Tenney et al. identified three different learning theories, information processing, constructivism, and sociocultural theory, and they discussed the conceptualizations of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) literacy and offered insightful perspectives on how to conceptualize what it means to be STEM literate ( 1 ). And, if you envision science literacy to be larger than these three theories, and to extend outside of the classroom, Elhai here helps readers redefine science literacy at the community level ( 2 ). These perspectives may be valuable to others as they work to conceptualize what science literacy means in their own circumstances.

Scientific literacy in the context of microbiology, cell biology, molecular biology, immunology, disease ecology, and other disciplines

We cannot forget that science is at the heart of science literacy, and part of science literacy is knowing basic science. In line with current scientific challenges related to public health, Ricci et al. ( 3 ) and Mixter et al. ( 4 ) provide ideas for teaching and learning about infectious disease, through art (as described here by Ricci et al.) and through system-level change and collaboration among novice and experienced educators, professional societies, and policymakers (as described here by Mixter et al.). Access to microbiology is also expanded, with Newman et al. presenting here a novel card-sorting task involving visual literacy skills ( 5 ) and Joyner and Parks outlining how to develop a public data presentation and an epidemiological model based on current events ( 6 ).

Pedagogical practices, including effective classroom tools

Undergraduates are prosumers, consuming and producing scientific information at the same time. This requires assignments to be built on each other in a scaffolded or multistep format. Joyner and Parks present a multicourse approach using modern pedagogical methods to promote communication and data and information literacy in STEM students ( 6 ). Similarly, Rholl et al. described how they let students engage with current events in interactive, multiweek activities that increase student motivation and agency ( 7 ). Sarvary and Ruesch describe how undergraduates can be taught through a multistep framework to become critical consumers of scientific evidence in a single laboratory session. These two authors have used and assessed a variety of active learning methods in the past decade to help students find, evaluate, comprehend, and cite scientific information ( 8 ). With the rise of social media, undergraduates need to be taught how to responsibly share information using these constantly changing platforms. The Social Media Reflection assignment has been successfully used in both lower- and upper-level courses, helping students assess scientific claims and fight misinformation ( 9 ).

Student understanding of the nature of science, quantitative literacy skills, and science communication

There is an intricate connection between how students understand scientific concepts, scientific process, and primary scientific data and how they are able to communicate about these topics with each other and with those outside the scientific community ( 10 ) and in their future careers ( 11 , 12 ). This is critically important for our science students who will interact with patients as future health professionals ( 11 ). One way in which students can engage with a mix of scientific facts, processes, and data is via the primary scientific literature. Developing the skills to read and understand the primary scientific literature is difficult ( 13 ). Authors in this special issue present how student skills in analyzing data in the primary scientific literature can be improved via graphical abstract assignments ( 14 ) and annotations ( 15 , 16 ), as well as by engaging in peer review ( 17 ). Beyond developing their own understanding of the science, engaging with the primary scientific literature is important for our students, as they can utilize the literature as a tool for science communication with nonscientist audiences ( 18 ). Conversely, we can utilize popular texts intended for the public in our science classrooms in order to promote science literacy and new insights about socio-scientific issues ( 19 ). In addition to specific forms of literature, empathetic and relational conversations about science are another tool by which students can build both their knowledge of the science and their abilities in science communication ( 10 ).

Community science literacy and outreach

Science literacy skills are required for everyday decision-making and are often applied by nonscientists. These nontechnical audiences are able to understand scientific evidence using primary literature ( 18 ) and develop interest in science using art ( 3 ). Attitudes toward science and trust in scientists became especially important during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mixter et al. discuss immune literacy at the individual and societal level and call for a system-level change to build this important skill not only in classrooms but also in the community ( 4 ). Service learning and community engagement can help with this effort ( 10 ).

Impacts on learning and assessment in the classroom or the community

By creating students and communities that are more scientifically literate, we can set the table for increased opportunities for these groups to learn and understand science, to translate that knowledge into making positive changes in society, and to potentially join the STEM workforce. Several articles ( 3 , 4 , 7 , 16 ) consider new approaches for using scientific literacy as a vehicle for enhancing student appreciation for specific STEM fields. Other articles focus on ways that instructors can better assess the progress that students are making toward developing both stronger levels of overall scientific literacy and mastery of particular course material ( 8 , 13 ). Finally, when students gain practice in argumentation about authentic ethical issues in research, they are better prepared to collaboratively engage with diverse communities about these challenging issues ( 12 ). There is a dynamic conversation taking place within the scientific education community on ways to translate increases in scientific literacy with gains in overall learning objectives in a variety of STEM disciplines. This conversation promises to continue to evolve best practices for reaching this goal among both traditional students and “citizen scientists” in society.

Inclusive approaches and removal of barriers to scientific information

The scientific community is becoming more cognizant of the need to consider equity and inclusion and incorporate them into strategies for improving scientific literacy in the classroom and across society. This issue explores the use of laboratory course elements as drivers of equity-based STEM education ( 20 ) as well as the development of empathetic communication skills as an effective means of reaching all members of the community regardless of their previous experiences with science and potential exposure to scientific misinformation ( 10 ). Within the classroom, different research groups are exploring how to develop literacy-based assignments that either use unconventional and more accessible means to bring new students into an exploration of science ( 3 , 14 ) or provide learning support tools that make engagement with scientific literature more accessible to all ( 18 ). A society cannot improve its overall level of scientific literacy without finding ways of making scientific knowledge accessible to all of its members, and the work presented in this issue provides a variety of approaches toward this goal.

This issue could not be coming out at a more critical juncture in our society, as the scientific community struggles to find ways to battle both disinformation campaigns about how science is done and presented and the preconceived intimidating notions that many hold about the accessibility of science to the masses. Issues such as climate change, vaccination, and environmental conservation cannot be solved by a scientifically illiterate society. As science continually evolves, so must our understanding of how to best communicate science across ever-changing platforms and audiences. It is our hope that the ideas presented in this issue will inspire both the current scientific community and future generations of scientists and teachers to continually work to make science as accessible, learnable, and exciting as possible to citizens of all ages and backgrounds.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

We are grateful to the Journal of Microbiology and Biology Education for advancing this vital scientific literacy conversation and for allowing us the opportunity to help assemble this exciting collection of current work on this topic. We hope that these articles will engender in you the desire to join the conversation and help to keep moving our understanding of best scientific literacy practices forward.

We declare that there are no conflicts of interest with respect to the contents of this article.

The views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the views of the journal or of ASM.

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Fostering Scientific Literacy and Critical Thinking in Elementary Science Education

• Published: 30 December 2014
• Volume 14 , pages 659–680, ( 2016 )

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• Rui Marques Vieira 1 , 2 &
• Celina Tenreiro-Vieira 2  

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Scientific literacy (SL) and critical thinking (CT) are key components of science education aiming to prepare students to think and to function as responsible citizens in a world increasingly affected by science and technology (S&T). Therefore, students should be given opportunities in their science classes to be engaged in learning experiences that promote SL and CT, which may trigger the need to build and develop knowledge, attitudes/values, thinking abilities, and standards/criteria in an integrated way, resulting in their ability to know how to take responsible action in contexts and situations of personal and social relevance. This paper reports on a study to design, implement, and assess science learning experiences focused on CT toward SL goal. Results support the conclusion that the learning experiences developed and implemented in a grade 6 science classroom had a significant influence on the students’ CT and SL. Within this elementary school context, the theoretical framework used appears to be a relevant and practical aid for developing learning experiences that promote CT/SL and in supporting teaching practices that are more in line with the goals of critical scientific literacy.

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Acknowledgments

The authors thank Dr. Larry Yore and Mrs. Sharyl Yore for their mentoring assistance.

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Rui Marques Vieira

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Vieira, R.M., Tenreiro-Vieira, C. Fostering Scientific Literacy and Critical Thinking in Elementary Science Education. Int J of Sci and Math Educ 14 , 659–680 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10763-014-9605-2

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Received : 30 April 2014

Accepted : 13 November 2014

Published : 30 December 2014

Issue Date : May 2016

DOI : https://doi.org/10.1007/s10763-014-9605-2

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