TY - JOUR AU - Smith, Martin H. AU - Worker, Steven M. AU - Ambrose, Andrea AU - Schmitt-McQuitty, Lynn TI - Scientific literacy: California 4-H defines it from citizens' perspective JF - California Agriculture JO - Calif Agr Y1 - 2015/04/01 VL - 69 IS - 2 SP - 92 EP - 97 PB - University of California Agriculture and Nature Resources SN - 0008-0845 UR - http://dx.doi.org/10.3733/ca.v069n02p92 L3 - 10.3733/ca.v069n02p92 AB - Scientific literacy is an important educational and societal goal. Measuring scientific literacy, however, has been problematic because there is no consensus regarding the meaning of scientific literacy. Most definitions focus on the content and processes of major science disciplines, ignoring social factors and citizens’ needs. The authors developed a definition of scientific literacy for the California 4-H Program from the citizen's perspective, concentrating on real-world science-related situations. The definition includes four anchor points: science content; scientific reasoning skills; interest in and attitudes toward science; and contribution through applied participation. The definition provides the California 4-H Science, Engineering, and Technology Initiative with a framework for future science curriculum and program development and implementation, educator professional development, and evaluation.