Scientific Literacy IDENTIFIERS Aesthetics; *Earth; Nature of Science

Many are aware that to secure a safe Earth for future generations means that people must know more about the Earth, its inhabitants, and the role that each plays in sustaining life on Earth. This lack of knowledge today has led to decisions such as the destruction of the rainforest, the growing and inefficient use of fossil fuels, and until recently the continued use of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). In order to rectify this problem, many educators and scientists have suggested the development and implementation of school science programs that enfold the study of Earth systems. This paper provides a brief description of science education today, discussing the various influences on the development of a science curriculum, the need for Earth literacy, and the misrepresentation of the nature of science in curricula. More emphasis is placed on providing insight on an effort already in place to insure that science education reform in the United States will include planet Earth as a vehicle for teaching science. Educators are asked to seize this opportunity to provide students with knowledge that can be directly related to the world around them and hopefully provide an appreciation for the planet. (Contains 41 references.) (D1H) * Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made * * from the original document.