The Potential Impact of a Socioscientific Issues Programme on Elementary School Students' Scientific Literacy

Abstract

Scientific literacy relates to how an individual uses their scientific knowledge and skills to participate as an active citizen in society. It is widely regarded and accepted as one of the most important goals of science education. Yet, in enacted curricula, this goal of science education has languished in the shadows, with many citing difficulties with its actualization. Teaching science through Socioscientific Issues (SSIs) is a promising approach, but research on its implementation and potential impact on elementary students' scientific literacy is limited. This study provides an overview and evaluation of a SSI programme for Irish elementary students aged 8–12 years. Six teachers delivered the programme to 152 students in six schools over 6 months. Findings show that teaching science through SSIs improved students' science content knowledge and enhanced their experience with Inquiry‐Based Science Education (IBSE). Many students demonstrated socioscientific argumentation skills and applied science knowledge to SSI reasoning, leading to more informed decisions about real‐life issues. The findings suggest that teaching elementary science through SSIs prepared many students to participate actively and responsibly in a complex, democratic society. The study recommends making SSI‐based education explicit in elementary science curricula and that teachers must be supported in its implementation.