In this comprehensive text, key figures in the field of science and science education discuss the role of this subject in public policy, in the school and in broader public education.

What is science? What is the purpose of science education? Should we be training scientists, or looking towards a greater public understanding of science? In this exciting text, some of the key figures in the fields of science and science education address this debate. Their contributions form an original dialogue on science education and the general public awareness of science, tackling both formal and informal aspects of science learning. the editors argue that a greater knowledge of science can lead to a better future, but that this can only happen through a mutual understanding between scientists, schools and the public.