What's More Important: Science Literacy or News Literacy?

That's not really a fair question, because they're both vital. But if I was the administrator at a university and a foundation offered me funding to establish a program curriculum for one or the other--which would result in a mandatory class for all in-coming freshmen--I would choose news literacy. I'll explain why in a minute. First, let me say outright that I am a champion of science education. I want my two sons to not only be scientifically literate, I want them to enjoy science. They are now in kindergarten and third grade, respectively, but since their pre-school days, both of them have taken after-school science classes and have attended science camp during the summers. The person who runs the after-school classes and summer camp is an elementary school science teacher in my neighborhood. His name is Carmelo Piazza. He is a rock star. I know what a formative influence ...