Mathematics and Science Literacy

A literate citizenry has the knowledge and skills to handle the ever-changing world with confidence. The articles in this section provide ideas and resources to help teachers meet the challenge.

Mathematics and Science Literacy for All Americans
by Frank X. Sutman
This leader in science education defines levels of literacy for all-scientists, mathematicians, teachers, and students.

Innumerate and Proud of It
by Mark Holtman
Mathematics teachers often feel that they are fighting an uphill battle. John Allen Paulos' books provide a cool drink for the climb.

It's About Relevancy
by Carol Damian
A chat with high school students reveals that they really do understand why it is important to become literate in mathematics and science.

Graphing Savvy: Giving Students a Sense of Mathematical Power
by Sue McMillan
Graphs can easily imply more (or less) than their numbers tell. Students from fourth grade to high school learn how to look beyond first impressions and become more savvy consumers of information.

Ecosystem Succession
by John Rosemurgy
Can students look at their environment and understand what they see? Being able to do so is an important aspect of scientific literacy.

A Vote for Fidel Castro Is Not Truly a Vote Against Alison Peebles
by Alison Peebles
We all want to make informed decisions as voters, but do we realize being truly informed requires us to become mathematically literate? This high school student's independent study illustrates the point.

Media Literacy: Yes, It Fits in Math and Science Classrooms
by Frank Baker
As teachers relate the significance of math and science learning to students' everyday lives, the role of the popular media adds another dimension to the discussion.

Math & Science Illiteracy in the News
by Carolyn Hamilton
Educators, mathematicians, and scientists would be wise to overcome misgivings about media coverage of complex math and science issues and recognize the role of the press in educating the public.

Cloning and the Media: A Snapshot of Scientific Literacy
by Lynda Titterington and Suzanne Drummer
After our students leave formal schooling, they, like us, will learn about scientific breakthroughs from popular news sources. This survey looked at a number of implications of this relationship.

Math on the Map
by Wendy Cheely
Combining math with writing and social studies can help students attain a higher level of literacy in all three areas.