Why Science?

With conviction and clarity, prize-winning scientist and bestselling author James Trefil explains why everyone needs to be “scientifically literate” and, therefore, why our schools must teach the fundamental principles of scientific literacy to every student. He lays out these principles straightforwardly, so that educators—and everyone who is interested in education—can understand exactly what they are.

Trefil knows that initiating a national scientific literacy program won’t be easy, but he convincingly argues that it is essential to our national future. After reading this book, you will agree that, whatever the cost of teaching scientific literacy, we simply can’t afford not to heed his advice.

In this enjoyable read, Trefil, a well-known critic of the status quo in science education:

• Explains why today’s science education is insufficient for tomorrow’s needs.
• Tackles the key topics of scientific literacy and explains how to teach them.
• Confronts headline issues, including stem cell research, global warming, cloning, and intelligent design.
• Shows why science education is essential to an informed citizenry and how scientific literacy is achievable.
• Suggests a middle way between the two prevailing approaches to science education: “deep and narrow” vs. “broad but shallow.”

James Trefil is the Clarence J. Robinson Professor of Physics at George Mason University. His books include The Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, 1001 Things Everyone Needs to Know About Science, and Are We Unique? A Scientist Explores the Human Mind.

“Trefil surpasses almost all other scientists writing about science for the public.”

— New York Times

“Jim Trefil has provided a superb overview of the imperative for scientific literacy in the 21st century. Why Science? should be required reading for all middle school and high school science teachers, superintendents, school board members, college faculty, deans, provosts, college presidents, and legislators at all levels.”
—Jon Miller, Director, International Center for the Advancement of Scientific Literacy, Michigan State University

“This is the best and most reliable book yet for communicating to nonscientists the essentials of modern science. A distinguished scientist himself, James Trefil has an unmatched ability to go directly to the heart of the matter with humor, plain language, and telling examples. Want to be scientifically literate without pain? Read Trefil!”
—E. D. Hirsch, Jr., University Professor Emeritus of Education and Humanities, University of Virginia

"Trefil, one of the most successful popularizers of science for the masses, now addresses the crucial issue of popular literacy—and just in time!”
—Leon M. Lederman, Resident Scholar, Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy