Scientists and 21st century science education

The ominous projections of global climate change loom as a unique menace to the survival of civilization. Collective action will require the citizens of both technological and emerging nations to collaborate in order to bring about drastic modifications of lifestyle. This raises the issue of what high-school graduates should know about science. With science literacy becoming an ever-increasing component of education in this 21st century, a rigorous education in mathematics, science, and technology can, with modest variations, serve vocational or liberal arts students just as well as future scientists and engineers. However, the comments in this article on how to teach science successfully imply sweeping changes in curriculum, in teaching styles, and in the recruitment, training, and professional development of teachers. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.