Sustainability as a Framework for Analyzing Socioscientific Issues

Abstract

Scientific and environmental literacy are cornerstones of science education reform and twenty first century citizenry. The ability to make decisions about socioscientific issues is a characteristic of scientific and environmental literacy. This study uses the Sustainability Triad to explore preservice teachers’ analyses and decision-making about socioscientific issues. Results indicate that preservice teachers do not consistently use the dimensions of the sustainability triad as they analyze socioscientific issues. This practice results in decisions that are less sustainable. Recommendations for science teacher preparation programs that emphasize sustainability considerations are provided.

Keywords

• socioscientific issues; scientific literacy; environmental education; sustainability; science teacher preparation