INITIATIVE   FOR  SCIENCE LITERACY

Our democratic society is becoming increasingly dependent on science and technology. It is essential for the well-being of our society that all citizens develop an appreciation of science, the benefits of technology, and the potential risks associated with advances in both. Citizens must gain "science literacy."
 

Science literacy does not require detailed knowledge of any particular field, but rather a broad understanding and appreciation of what science is capable of achieving and, equally important, what science cannot accomplish. Science literacy enables the public to make informed choices, to reject quackery and unproven conjecture, and to avoid being bamboozled into making foolish decisions where matters of science and technology are concerned.
 

The Initiative for Science Literacy has two goals: to promote literacy in science, mathematics, and technology among the general public and to attract future generations to careers as the researchers, entrepreneurs, and teachers on whom the nation's continuing economic health and national security will depend. Society makes progress in addressing critical issues by having both a skilled, creative, and productive work force and a citizenry able to judge the risks and enjoy the benefits of advances in science and technology. The Initiative seeks to boost opportunities for educational success for all students, especially those from under-represented groups, and to empower adults to participate responsibly in our cherished democratic institutions. The Initiative aims to enhance the development of talent for careers in science and in science teaching and to advance the level of appreciation of science among the non-practitioners who are its beneficiaries. The Initiative also explores and helps to establish links between science, the arts, and the humanities.
 

The Initiative is directed by Professor Bassam Z. Shakhashiri of the University of Wisconsin-Madison Chemistry Department. Programs draw on the concepts developed by Dr. Shakhashiri during many years of innovative work in science education and through his extensive experience as a faculty member at the University, his work with the University of Wisconsin-Madison Institute for Chemical Education, and his six years as the chief education officer of the National Science Foundation. His very successful programs have included research and development in chemistry demonstrations, the annual Holiday Lecture, the Chemical Demonstrations book series, discussions of science on radio and television, the Science is Fun Web site, the Conversations in Science series, and the Science in the City program.
 

The Initiative has its headquarters at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Support is sought from individuals, business and civic groups, and private and governmental sources. Support for this program will have a direct and continuing impact on our nation's ability to maintain its leadership in the sciences and in technology.

Click on the following links for more information about each program.

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