Originally prepared for the Science Council of Canada, this document presents a rationale and general framework for a science and society curriculum for Canadian students. Pointing out ways in which citizens are scientifically illiterate, it argues that science education must address social issues and prepare individuals to make social and political decisions. Section one identifies three broad topics which should guide the development of a science and society curriculum: the characteristics of science, the limitations of science, and the place of science in Canadian society. Recognizing the student as a consumer of science education with individual needs, section two elaborates on four fundamental issues for consideration in developing a curriculum: different kinds of knowledge developed from science education, different roles that graduates will play in society, different ways graduates will use knowledge developed from science class, and decision-making processes used in resolving science-related social issues. The final section discusses the characteristics and limitations of science which must guide the development of a curriculum. (DC)