ALLEA Statement on Early Learning Opportunities for Shaping a Scientifically Literate Society

It is apparent that, now more than ever, society’s welfare, progress, and perhaps even survival, needs ‘scientifically literate’ citizens, as science and technology become increasingly interwoven with our daily lives. These new technologies and scientific progress also bring up ethical questions, and it will become even more critical for upcoming generations to learn how to recognise and answer them.

This ALLEA Statement, prepared by the ALLEA Working Group Science Education, argues that primary and post-primary science education play a key role in supporting all young learners in gaining insight into how the natural sciences are integral to our everyday lives, thereby contributing to their development into informed and active citizens. It advocates for strengthening the role of early science education curricula in improving the public’s understanding of the Nature of Science (NOS) and research ethics, which will enable the creation of a scientifically literate society.