As of today, Israel is one of the most densely populated country in the OECD, with approximately 420 people per square km. It is projected that by 2050, Israel’s population will rise above 700 people per square km, causing Israel to become the most densely populated among the OECD countries. Such growth in population is expected to have detrimental impacts on the environment, due to the increase in waste, use of natural resources, demand for food and clear water. Moreover, Israel is among the countries with the highest income inequality in the OECD. Income inequality affects access to social and economic opportunities, resulting in health and environmental disparities (e.g., higher prevalence of chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension). The COVID19 worldwide pandemic has highlighted the increased risk for disease among highly populated and socially and economically underprivileged sectors in Israel. 

 

To overcome the environmental and health existential threats on the Israeli society, it is crucial that all citizens acquire the necessary competencies that will enable them to work individually and collectively to support the well-being of our community. These competencies, mostly referred to as the 21st century skills, include the cognitive (e.g., thinking and reasoning), intrapersonal (e.g., regulating one’s behaviors and emotions to achieve goals), and interpersonal (relating to others and understanding others’ points of view) domains. All children growing up in Israel must be prepared to consume scientific information, examine it critically, and wisely make their own choices in a science and technology-based, complex and dynamic society. 

 

As the importance of 21st century skills is recognized worldwide, effective interventions to support their development are in the forefront of science education research. Biology education can provide a framework for the acquisition and development of these skills within its boundaries. The question remains: How can we transform biology education to support students in acquiring and developing 21st century skills, specifically in the Israeli society characterized by environmental challenges and income inequality? 

 

The conference will focus on biology education for well-being: The role of 21st century skills for informed, responsible and active citizenship. The goal of the conference is to engage in critical reflection about the goal of biology education. Specifically, its role for the development of informed, responsible and active citizenship by providing opportunities for students to acquire 21st century skills in relation to environment and health. The conference will provide a platform for national and international scholars to share their expertise and present theoretical and empirical research that focuses on biology education and its potential to support the development of 21st century skills as part of biology education. The conference will also provide opportunities for scholars to engage in lively formal and informal discussions and propose recommendations to connect biology education and 21st century skills. The uniqueness of this conference is the integration of 21st century skills necessary to promote health and environmental well-being within the context of biology education.