Developing and Using Multiple Models to Promote Scientific Literacy in the Context of Socio-Scientific Issues.

Area of Science:

• Science Education
• Philosophy of Science
• Scientific Literacy

Background:

• Socio-scientific issues (SSI) connect science to real-world contexts.
• Scientific literacy is crucial for understanding complex societal challenges.
• Current science education often lacks integration with societal contexts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To argue for the critical role of developing and using multiple models in science education.
• To enhance students' scientific literacy through engagement with socio-scientific issues.
• To demonstrate how multiple modeling benefits learning in the context of SSI.

Main Methods:

• Theoretical argument drawing on science education and philosophy of science literature.
• Positing the benefits of engaging with both scientific and socio-scientific models.
• Using COVID-19 as a case study to present exemplar models.

Main Results:

• Engagement with multiple scientific models deepens understanding of relevant phenomena.
• Engagement with socio-scientific models aids in applying scientific knowledge to social contexts.
• Students can reason about the interplay of science and social factors in complex issues.

Conclusions:

• Multiple modeling is essential for effective SSI-based science instruction.
• This approach equips students with knowledge and skills for complex societal issues.
• Future research should explore pedagogical strategies for SSI-based modeling.