Project 2061 emphasizes the connections among ideas in the natural and social sciences, mathematics, and technology. The mission of the project is to promote learning in the following areas to support a more science-literate citizenry to appreciate the return of Halley's Comet in 2061:
- The Nature of Science includes the scientific world view, scientific methods of inquiry, and the nature of the scientific enterprise.
- The Nature of Mathematics describes the creative processes involved in both theoretical and applied mathematics.
- The Nature of Technology examines how technology extends our abilities to change the world and the tradeoffs necessarily involved.
- The Physical Setting lays out basic ideas about the content and structure of the universe (on astronomical, terrestrial, and sub-microscopic levels) and the physical principles on which it seems to run.
- The Living Environment delineates basic facts and ideas about how living things function and how they interact with one another and their environment.
- The Human Organism discusses human biology as exemplary of biological systems.
- Human Society considers individual and group behavior, social organizations, and the process of social change.
- The Designed World reviews principles of how people shape and control the world through some key areas of technology.
- The Mathematical World gives basic mathematical ideas, especially those with practical application, that together play a key role in almost all human endeavors.
- Historical Perspectives illustrates the science enterprise with ten examples of exceptional significance in the development of science.
- Common Themes presents general concepts, such as systems and models, that cut across science, mathematics, and technology.
- Habits of Mind sketches the attitudes, skills, and ways of thinking that are essential to science literacy.
Project 2061: Atlas of Science Literacy
Scientific World View
Evidence and Reasoning
Models
Technology and Science
Flow of Matter & Energy
Culture Affects Behavior
Global Interdependence
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Basic Functions
Interdependence of Life
Oceans
Weather & Climate
Cell Functions
Energy Transfer
Explaining Evolution
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The Nature of Mathematics
Mathematical Reasoning
Computation & Estimation
Ratios and Proportion
Atoms and Molecules
Materials
Gravity
Chemical Reactions
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The Nature of ScienceEvidence and Reasoning in Inquiry
Scientific Investigations
Scientific Theories
Avoiding Bias in Science
The Scientific Community
Science and Society
Scientific World View
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The Nature of MathematicsMathematical Processes
Mathematical Models
Nature of Mathematics
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The Nature of TechnologyDesign Constraints
Designed Systems
Interaction of Technology and Society
Decisions about Using Technology
Technology and Science
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The Physical SettingChanges in the Earth's Surface
Plate Tectonics
Solar System
Stars
Galaxies and the Universe
Gravity
Atoms and Molecules
Conservation of Matter
States of Matter
Chemical Reactions
Laws of Motion
Waves
Weather and Climate
Use of Earth's Resources
Energy Transformations
Electricity and Magnetism
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The Living EnvironmentDNA and Inherited Characteristics
Variation in Inherited Characteristics
Biological Evolution
Natural Selection
Flow of Energy in Ecosystems
Flow of Matter in Ecosystems
Cell Functions
Cells and Organs
Diversity of Life
Interdependence of Life
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The Human OrganismDisease
Maintaining Good Health
Coping With Mental Distress
Diagnosis and Treatment of Mental Disorders
Human Identity
Human Development
Basic Functions
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Human SocietyInfluences on Social Change
Social Decisions
Heredity and Experience Shape Behavior
Culture Affects Behavior
Group Behavior
Political and Economic Systems
Social Conflict
Global Interdependence
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Habits of MindValues in Science
Public Perception of Science
Computation and Estimation
Using Tools and Devices
Communication Skills
Detecting Flaws in Arguments
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