Based on scientific literacy, as a general definition, should be thought as the combination of both insights related
to science and scientific knowledge, as well as skills such as inquiry, critical thinking, problem solving and decision
making. This definition requires a scientifically literate person to be able to understand science, the nature of
scientific knowledge and the relationship of science with society and environment, to know basic scientific
concepts, laws, theories and principles, and to use science process skills. Özdem et al., (2010) & Kyunghee Choi et
al., (2011) framework stresses the importance of communication and collaboration, systematic thinking including
non routine problem solving, the use of evidence to support claims, and information management within the habits
of mind dimension. Students need to learn how to put ideas together and work with others to come up with novel
solutions to challenging problems.
Thus, there are a number of reasons why scientific literacy is considered important. The society we live in
depends to an ever-increasing extent on technology and the scientific knowledge that makes it possible. We live in a
nation with a rich, but not inexhaustible, supply of natural resources. As we live in a world with a rapidly growing
population, decisions we make every day have the capacity to affect energy consumption, our personal health,
natural resources, and the environment ultimately the well being of ourselves, our community, and the world. Miller
(2002), who has been involved in assessing scientific literacy for over three decades, emphasizes the importance of
“civic scientific literacy” in a modern society that relies heavily on technology. He believes that 21st century society
requires a populace knowledgeable about scientific and technological issues for the democratic process to function
properly. Scientific literacy has been recognized as an important characteristic that every citizen in a modern society
should possess. In this respect science education which includes 21st century skills is critical for developing students'
scientific literacy, which is turn in future scientifically literate citizens.