Science increasingly influences society in the 21st century.

Complex current issues involving biotechnology, energy, water, medicine, nanotechnology, and climate change, for example, highlight the challenges ahead for individuals to understand and critically engage with science and its outcomes.

Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools (MACS), in liaison with its schools and communities, has articulated 10 desired outcomes for students in the 21^st century, as a result of a Catholic science education where all students:

• are bold and confident participants in a continually changing landscape
• appreciate science as a way of knowing about the world
• possess a sense of awe and fascination about the world
• understand the impact of science on society
• are savvy consumers of science 
• understand the nature of science and science concepts that are relevant and useful to their lives
• accept a responsibility towards the natural environment
• understand science as being value-laden
• engage with science as accessible and achievable
• see the potential for science to contribute to the common good.