Preview the Atlas of Science Literacy

Project 2061 will soon publish Atlas of Science Literacy, a collection of nearly 50 strand maps that show how students' understanding of the ideas and skills that lead to literacy in science, mathematics, and technology might grow over time. For a preview of strand maps in draft form, click on the links in the Atlas table of contents below. For a 'map key' that describes the different features click here.

The Atlas organizes maps into the same chapters as Project 2061's Science for All Americans and Benchmarks for Science Literacy. Furthermore, Atlas includes "clusters" of closely related maps within chapters that loosely correspond to the sections in Benchmarks. In addition to the maps themselves, the Atlas clarifies each map with comments on relevant issues and a summary of the cognitive research that relates to the map's topic. The book also discusses the intent and meaning of the maps, describes some uses for maps, and considers some of the implications of mapping for teaching and learning.

Atlas of Science Literacy Contents

(Click on the titles in blue to preview draft maps.)

Chapter 1: THE NATURE OF SCIENCE

Cluster: SCIENTIFIC INQUIRY
Evidence and Reasoning in Inquiry
Scientific Investigations
Scientific Theories
Avoiding Bias in Science

Chapter 2: THE NATURE OF MATHEMATICS

Cluster: MATHEMATICAL INQUIRY
Mathematical Processes
Mathematical Models

Chapter 3: THE NATURE OF TECHNOLOGY

Cluster: DESIGN AND SYSTEMS
Designed Systems
Design Constraints
Cluster: ISSUES IN TECHNOLOGY
Interaction of Technology and Society
Decisions about Using Technology

Chapter 4: THE PHYSICAL SETTING

Cluster: THE UNIVERSE
Gravity
The Solar System
Stars
Galaxies and the Universe
Cluster: PROCESSES THAT SHAPE THE EARTH
Changes in the Earth's Surface
Plate Tectonics
Cluster: STRUCTURE OF MATTER
Atoms and Molecules
Conservation of Matter
States of Matter
Chemical Reactions
Cluster: MOTION
Laws of Motion
Waves

Chapter 5: THE LIVING ENVIRONMENT

Cluster: HEREDITY
DNA and Inherited Characteristics
Variation in Inherited Characteristics
Cluster: CELLS
Cell Functions
Cells and Organs
Cluster: FLOW OF MATTER AND ENERGY
Flow of Matter in Ecosystems
Flow of Energy in Ecosystems
Cluster: EVOLUTION OF LIFE
Biological Evolution
Natural Selection

Chapter 6: THE HUMAN ORGANISM

Cluster: PHYSICAL HEALTH
Disease
Maintaining Good Health
Cluster: MENTAL HEALTH
Coping With Mental Distress
Diagnosis and Treatment of Mental Disorders

Chapter 7: HUMAN SOCIETY

Cluster: SOCIAL BEHAVIOR
Heredity and Experience Shape Behavior
Culture Affects Behavior
Cluster: SOCIAL CHANGE
Influences on Social Change
Social Decisions

Chapter 8: THE DESIGNED WORLD

Agricultural Technology

Cluster: COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION PROCESSING
Communication Technology
Computers

Chapter 9: THE MATHEMATICAL WORLD

Cluster: MATHEMATICAL REPRESENTATIONS
Graphic Representations
Symbolic Representation
Cluster: PROPORTIONAL REASONING
Ratios and Proportionality
Describing Change
Cluster: STATISTICS
Averages and Comparisons
Correlation
Statistical Reasoning

Chapter 10: HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVES

There are no maps for this chapter.

Chapter 11: COMMON THEMES

Systems

Chapter 12: HABITS OF MIND

There are no maps for this chapter.