http://www.cmec.ca/science/framework/

2. A vision for scientific literacy in Canada

The framework is guided by the vision that all Canadian students, regardless of gender or cultural background, will have an opportunity to develop scientific literacy. Scientific literacy is an evolving combination of the science-related attitudes, skills, and knowledge students need to develop inquiry, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities, to become lifelong learners, and to maintain a sense of wonder about the world around them.Diverse learning experiences based on the framework will provide students with many opportunities to explore, analyse, evaluate, synthesize, appreciate, and understand the interrelationships among science, technology, society, and the environment that will affect their personal lives, their careers, and their future.

3.The scientific literacy needs of Canadian students and society

Canadian society is experiencing rapid and fundamental economic, social, and cultural changes that affect the way we live. Canadians are also becoming aware of an increasing global interdependence and the need for a sustainable environment, economy, and society. The emergence of a highly competitive and integrated international economy, rapid technological innovation, and a growing knowledge base will continue to have a profound impact on our lives. Advancements in science and technology play an increasingly significant role in everyday life. Science education will be a key element in developing scientific literacy and in building a strong future for Canada's young people. Consistent with views expressed in a variety of national and international science education documents, the following goals for Canadian science education have been established for the purposes of this framework.

Science education must be the basis for informed participation in a technological society, a part of a continuing process of education, a preparation for the world of work, and a means for students' personal development.
Science Council of Canada (1984)

4. Foundation statements for scientific literacy in Canada

Scientific literacy should remain the abstract image that leads science education reform.
Eisenhart, M. et al. (1996)
In light of the vision for scientific literacy and the need to develop scientific literacy in Canada, four foundation statements were established for this framework. Curriculum developers should note that these foundation statements delineate the four critical aspects of students' scientific literacy. They reflect the wholeness and interconnectedness of learning and should be considered as interrelated and mutually supportive. The learning outcomes in this framework are stated in relation to these foundation statements.
Foundation 1:
Science, technology, society, and the environment (STSE) ?
Students will develop an understanding of the nature of science and technology, of the relationships between science and technology, and of the social and environmental contexts of science and technology.
Foundation 2:
Skills
Students will develop the skills required for scientific and technological inquiry, for solving problems, for communicating scientific ideas and results, for working collaboratively, and for making informed decisions.
Foundation 3:
Knowledge
Students will construct knowledge and understandings of concepts in life science, physical science, and Earth and space science, and apply these understandings to interpret, integrate, and extend their knowledge.
Foundation 4:
Attitudes
Students will be encouraged to develop attitudes that support the responsible acquisition and application of scientific and technological knowledge to the mutual benefit of self, society, and the environment.

From: http://www.cmec.ca/else/environment.en.pdf

The Status of Sustainable Development Education in Canada 

The Council of Ministers of Education, Canada recognized the importance of educating 

for sustainability. The Common Framework of Science Learning Outcomes, Pan- 

Canadian Protocol for Collaboration on School Curriculum, Council of Ministers of 

Education, Canada, 1997, p. 4-5, states: 

This file was created in 2008 as a marine education resource supported by the Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre in Sidney

Website courtesy of racerocks.com & Lester B. Pearson College. Copyright: 2008 Garry Fletcher Marine Education Consulting,