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Scientific Literacy

Pictogram symbolising scientific competence. A person looking into a microscope.

After 2006 and 2015, science literacy was the major domain in PISA for the third time in 2025.

Definition

In the PISA survey, the term ‘ science literacy’ refers to the ability to learn about science, sustainability and technology. On this basis, young people are able to draw conclusions for their own actions and participate in public debate.

Tasks

The tasks in PISA 2025 came from the fields of physics, chemistry, biology, and the earth sciences. In 2025, the following additions were made:

  • Agency in the Anthropocene

  • Science identity.

Science identity was included because of the ways in which it enables young people to become active citizens, which is essential in a world that is rapidly changing. Scientific knowledge and skills, which are part and parcel of science identity, are therefore of particular relevance to the future.

The tasks for assessing science literacy are based on four dimensions:

Domains of science literacy

  • Domain-specific knowledge:

    • Physical systems

    • Living systems

    • Earth and space systems

  • Procedural knowledge

  • Epistemic knowledge.

 

Context (personal, societal, global frame of reference):

  • Health

  • Natural resources

  • Environment and climate change

  • Hazards

  • Limitations of science and technology.

Science identity:

  • Scientific capital and epistemic beliefs

  • Attitudes and dispositions

  • Environmental awareness, concern and agency.

Competencies

  • Explain phenomena scientifically

  • Construct and evaluate designs for scientific enquiry and interpret scientific data and evidence critically

  • Research, evaluate and apply scientific information to decision-making and actions.

Sample science literacy test questions may be found here.