Friday, February 29, 2008

Quote of the Week

So lately, I've been thinking about my work, and why I'm making it, and what I want it to say, and an idea that keeps popping up in my head, but I've never seriously thought about is scientific literacy. As you may or may not know, scientific literacy is downright pitiful in this country. My question for the group at large is: "Does it matter? Is scientific literacy important? (I think it is, but I'm not exactly unbiased, here)." If so, why? Why does the average person need to know about science?
And if scientific literacy is important, what types of science should we all be knowledgeable in? Is it important that the common person knows about geology? Why?
As I said, I have my own opinions, but I'm curious to hear what others have to say.
How scientifically literate are you?

"Our life depends on six inches of topsoil and the fact that it rains."
~Anonymous

4 comments:

megan said...

I think scientific literacy is important - though I am horribly illiterate myself.

My question for you is, if scientific literacy is important (which I think if you think it is, than it is) why is jewelry the way to promote or encourage it?

Liz Steiner said...

I don't know. That's something I'm still struggling with. It might not be. I'm struggling with the format of my work right now. I want it to be jewelry, because I wouls like it to be wearable. But I don't think it has to be, or even should be. I can't come up with a reason for it to be wearable, other than I want it to be.

Whitney J. Marsden said...

Liz, I think scientific literacy is important as well. Although I know VERY little, what I've learned so far has impacted my outlook and understanding of the world around me (for example, geology). I'm relieved to leave behind a time without that knowledge and am eager to understand more. Afterall, isn't ignorance the opposite of education?

Which science is most important? I don't know. That opens the whole K-12 education can of worms.

Wouldn't it be so wonderful if your jewelry/sculpture were a gateway of knowledge? If it provokes questions and discussion (I think it does), perhaps it already is.

I'm assuming you know of Bathsheba Grossman: www.bathsheba.com It's more math-y, but wearable nonetheless. (so sorry for the long post, you got me thinking!)

Anonymous said...

Scientific literacy is important because we are a democracy. That means that the citizenry at large is ultimately responsible for the actions of our government, many of which can and should be guided by science. If the electorate doesn't understand science, neither will our elected officials and our government will continue to founder on issues that science could otherwise inform.