Why Science? - Hardcover

Trefil, James S.

3.73

150 ratings by Goodreads

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0807748315 ISBN 13: 9780807748312

Publisher: Teachers College Press, 2008

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With conviction and clarity, prize-winning scientist and bestselling author James Trefil explains why every U.S. citizen needs to be ""scientifically literate"" and, therefore, why our schools must teach the fundamental principles of scientific literacy to every student. And he lays out those principles straightforwardly, so that educators - and everyone who is interested in education - can understand exactly what they are.Trefil knows that initiating a national scientific literacy program won't be easy, but he convincingly argues that it is essential to our national future. After reading this book, you will agree that, whatever the cost of teaching scientific literacy, we simply can't afford not to heed his advice.In this enjoyable read, a well-known critic of the status quo in science education: describes the woeful state of science knowledge today; explains why today's science education is insufficient for tomorrow's needs; tackles the key topics of ""scientific literacy"" and explains how to teach them; confronts headline issues, including stem cell research, global warming, cloning, and ""intelligent design""; shows why science education is essential to an informed citizenry and how scientific literacy is achievable; and, suggests a middle way between the two prevailing approaches to science education: ""deep and narrow"" vs. ""broad but shallow.

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Review:

Trefil surpasses almost all other scientists writing about science for the public. - The New York Times ""James Trefil has an unmatched ability to go directly to the heart of the matter with humor, plain language, and telling examples. Want to be scientifically literate without pain? Read Trefil!"" - E. D. Hirsch, Jr., University Professor Emeritus of Education and Humanities, University of Virginia

About the Author:

James Trefil is the Clarence J. Robinson Professor of Physics at George Mason University. His books include The Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, 1001 Things Everyone Needs to Know About Science, and Are We Unique? A Scientist Explores the Human Mind.

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