When I ask high-achieving students who did not opt for chemistry and biology in Form 3the following questions many do not knowthe answer.
The questions are: What is the difference between a chemical and nuclear reaction? Can you explain why not all radiation is harmful? I mean there are many types of radiation.
What is the difference between an atom and a molecule? What helps a house be energy efficient? What causes global warming? And what is depleting the ozone layer? What is coral bleaching? Some do not even know the different functions of the major organs in the human body.
I think that having this basic information at hand and knowing how to use the scientific method to investigate the world around us and being critical thinkers is essential in modern society.
Schools should impart this information and skills to the students.