science learning has to be seen as necessary for the full
realization of a human being. When the majority population is scientifically illiterate, it not only
aggravates inequity but also presupposes the exclusion of this majority from true participation in
and influence on their environment. Therefore, we are obliged, not simply from
an educational perspective, but also from that of ethics and social commitment,
to increase efforts to ensure that all have access to an appropriate scientific
and technological culture. While some argue for the need to concentrate
resources on high-achieving students in science, international studies such as
TIMSS (2008) and PISA show that where systems are more equal, country
outcomes in international comparisons are higher.