Scientific Literacy in the Classroom

In this interview, Brewer discusses the need to foster scientific literacy, knowing enough about science to be able to judge if an article in a newspaper or magazine, or commentary on a newscast or TV is being told in a fair and accurate way. The professor advocates asking questions and observation exercises as a means of empowering students to: (1) understand the basic concepts in the media and civic policy; (2) improve inquiry and critical thinking skills; and (3) make connections about interacting with the natural world.