ABSTRACT

This chapter reviews briefly some principles that apply to science education as a whole. The importance for all young people, not just for future scientists, of developing understanding of key concepts, inquiry skills and appreciation of the nature of science – encapsulated in the notion of scientific literacy – leads to realisation that this learning cannot be achieved unless it begins in the primary school. Science is a major area of human mental and practical activity and the knowledge that it generates plays a vital part in our lives and in the lives of future generations. Science education that follows from these principles is important for all learners for several reasons concerning learners as individuals, as members of society and as citizens of the world. The UN Sustainable Development Goals consist of an agreed set of intergovernmental aspirations across the full range of policy areas, such as education, health, economic growth, climate change, biodiversity, gender equality, water and sanitation.