A survey questionnaire on soil education: A case study in three areas of Yamaguchi city

Abstract

Elementary school and junior high school students in three different areas (a rural area, a new town area, and an old urban area) of Yamaguchi city were surveyed using a questionnaire to investigate their perception of soil. Results showed that the typical perception of the need for soil was that it would be best to have a little soil and there was no difference among the student of the three areas. Most reasons given to have soil in the surroundings were linked to having trees, grass, and “greens” in all areas. The recognition that soil is needed for food production was higher in rural areas. Playgrounds, parks, and playing sports afforded students a major opportunity to touch soils in all areas. Furthermore, there were only a few students, even in rural areas, who touched soil when engaged in agricultural activities. Interest in soils declined each year. It was suggested that opportunities to touch soils would increase interest in soils. Even when participants’ knowledge of the functions of soil was great, very few recognized these functions as a need for soils. Even when using the same text books, opportunities to touch soils during classes were different among schools and among teachers.