A Studay on the Relationship Between the Elementary Science Education till 1886 and the Science Education before and after the First World War

Abstract

The elementary science education in Japan was much influenced by British science education since the promulgation of educational system (Gakusei) in 1872. But in 1886, the introduction of "Rika" which integrated the former science subjects into one science course and moreover, since 1887, the dowerful effects of German educational thoughts gradually replaced the influence of the British science education on Japanese science education. However, the influence of British science education revived before and after the First World War through the Heuristic method of H. E. Armstrong. In the former period, the simple experiments in physics and chemistry of Science Primers edited by T. Huxley, H. Roscoe and B. Stewart exerted influence on the elementary science education in Japan till 1886. On the other hand, the Heuristic method of H. E. Apmstrong had been influential in the latter period when the laboratories for physice and chemistry were built in all normal schools and secondary schools and the syllubus for pupil's experiments in physics and chemistry was prepared. In spite of the fact that there existed a close connection between the science education during the period of Huxley, Roscoe and Stewart with that of Heuristic method of Armstrong, and the influence of two phases of British science education on Japanese education are usually treated here separately in the study of the history of science education in Japan. But actually, it is not possible to them separately. From this fact, in considering the history of science education in Japan, it is necessary to pay attention specially on the following two point ; (1) Elementary science education till 1886 and the promotion and the development of labobatory experiment in physics and chemistry which occured before and after the First World War must be considered as a closely connected one, not as separated entities. (2) The originally inseparable scienee education became separated here to the gap of thirty-years period from 1886 to 1918. The main reasons of which are the promulgation of "Rika" in 1886 and the influence of German educational philosophy. On the point of establishment of science education in Japan, considerations on "Rika" have been involving from various angles, but investigations inclusive of the afore-mentioned point must also be made.