In response to such calls for scientific literacy, the American Association of Colleges and Universities
(2006) adopted a goal ‘‘to advance broad-based systemic innovation to connect science education, especially
in general education, to large public questions where scientific inquiry and knowledge are essential.’’ The
goal applies not only to science majors, but to nonscience majors as well. It is essential that the latter become scientifically literate citizens who are able to understand the scientific issues (e.g., cloning, genetic
engineering, stem-cell research, and global warming) that confront them.