Research Into STS Science Education

STS science curriculum content includes both the internal workings of the scientific enterprise and the scientific enterprises external interaction with technology and society. The educational goal is to prepare future citizens who understand the human and social dimensions of scientific practice and its consequences. This article synthesizes the published research into STS science education in terms of policy making (curriculum development), student learning, and teacher orientations toward such a curriculum. The article encompasses both educationally sound and politically realistic results that are found in the literature. This synthesis is restricted to research with students aged 12 to 18, and it excludes literature that simply advocates a position without basing its conclusions on research evidence.