Science is a creative endeavor of the human mind. It offers a special perspective of the natural world in terms of understanding and interaction. The aim of science education is to develop in learners a rich and full understanding of the inquiry process; the key concepts and principles of life science, physical science, earth and space sciences; and issues of science, technology and society in historical and contemporary contexts.

The major goal of science education is to develop scientifically literate individuals with a high competency for rational thought. Scientific literacy involves the development of concepts, process skills, and attitudes necessary to encourage the individual to learn under his/her own initiative and an active interest in doing so.

Students will be able to demonstrate their scientific literacy by being able to:

=         Use knowledge of major concepts, laws, processes, and theories of science in his/her interaction with other people and his/her environment.

=         Recognize that the development of scientific knowledge depends upon inquiry process and upon conceptual theories.

=         Incorporate an interdisciplinary approach to the teaching of mathematics.

=         Recognize that all science findings are tentative, subject to change as evidence accumulates.

=         Appreciate the scientific work carried out by others having accumulated sufficient knowledge and experience to do so.

=         Recognize the limitations as well as the usefulness of science and technology.

=         Recognize the interrelationship between science and other facets of society.

=         Perceive the world as a richer and more livable place as a result of his/her science education.

 ILLINOIS STATE GOALS FOR SCIENCE:

STATE GOAL 11: Understand the processes of scientific inquiry and technological design to investigate

                    questions, conduct experiments and solve problems.

A. Know and apply the concepts, principles and processes of scien­tific inquiry.

B. Know and apply the concepts, principles and processes of tech­nological design.

 STATE GOAL 12: Understand the fundamental concepts, principles and interconnections of the life,

                      physical and earth/space sciences.

A. Know and apply concepts that explain how living things func­tion, adapt and change.

B. Know and apply concepts that describe how living things interact with each other and with their

     environ­ment.           

C. Know and apply concepts that describe properties of matter and energy and the interactions

     between them.

D. Know and apply concepts that describe force and motion and the principles that explain them.

E. Know and apply concepts that describe the features and processes of the Earth and its resources.

F. Know and apply concepts that explain the composition and struc­ture of the universe and Earth’s

     place in it.

 STATE GOAL 13: Understand the relationships among science, technology and society in historical and

                    contemporary contexts.

A. Know and apply the accepted practices of science.

B. Know and apply concepts that describe the interaction between science, technology and society.