This paper presents reflections on the meanings assigned to scientific literacy expressions. We return to the historical origins of literacy and literacy expressions, their meanings in the language and the meanings of these developments for the teaching of Portuguese language in the school context. Then we analyze the implications of the appropriation of the concept of literacy in the teaching of science and present a proposal outlining the uses of the term scientific literacy, as well as clarification of what it consists of. We argue that scientific literacy concerns everything involving the writing and reading of scientific texts, such as the construction of understanding and information analysis. The argument is presented that scientific literacy is linked to literacy in their own language and that the teaching of science must be conceived in the light of broader educational goals than just learning science (knowledge and procedures).
Scientific literacy; Literacy; Science education