students’ understanding of the nature of technology (NOT), and practical knowledge for action
based on the idea that, “knowledge requirements are not restricted to science and the nature of
science or nature of technology” (p. 42). Language issues in science are also examined – the nature
of science argument, and media literacy affecting science education and literacy and SSI;
specifically, the role of information is discussed along with ideas of utility, control, risk, fate, and
morality as related to this perpetuating theme. Another sectional essay in Chapter 2 examines the
role of science education and scientific literacy in dealing with controversial issues from those
intimate to the person of mankind to those dealing with our environment and broader planetary
home. Finally, Hodson discusses the affective and social environments of learning as related to
science education and the types of pupils that emerge from these environments to embrace science
literacy.
“Building Curriculum” is the title of Chapter 3 in Looking to the Future. Here, Hodson reiterates
the responsibility of science and technology education as that of “educating students about
the complex but intimate relationships among the technological products we consume, the
processes that produce them, and the biosphere that sustains us” (p. 71). The roles of thoughts,
values, and aspirations in relation to the status quo of society and science education and literacy
are discussed, and the author alludes to Noam Chomsky’s (1969, 1991) idea of “manufactured
consent” and Gerard Fourez’s (1982) “Liberation ethics” (p. 72/p. 73). Using these and other
fundamental concepts that underscore solid discussion of science’s struggle against social and
political norms to assert a more dominant place in individual and societal worldview, Hodson
also presents a disconcerting duplicity of interest that affects the passage of science education.
On one hand he argues are “those who seek to maintain science education’s current
preoccupation with abstract, theoretical knowledge and with pre-professional preparation
courses” and those “who regard the reformulation of science education in terms of more overtly
political goals as undesirable” (p. 74). Hodson proposes a new curriculum for science education
which he describes as one which “aims to encourage and support students to ask awkward
questions, formulate an alternative view of what is desirable, and work towards changing the
status quo, both within and between societies” (p. 75). The author further discusses democracy
and citizenship education and then explores the viability of building a coherent curriculum, and
how the ideals of priorities, interests, values and social justice impact this effort. Several key
issues that are common to societies are presented in relation to the proposed need for renewed
science education: human health; land, water and mineral resources; food and agriculture; energy
resources; industry; IT and transportation; and ethics (p. 90). Hodson emphasizes the role of
science education and literacy in equipping us for action and applies his 3-Phase Approach of
modeling, guided practice, and application instrumental in this action.