A Study on how to progress in carrying on a Science Class can Influence the Understanding and Interest of Children at the Elementary School

Abstract

From the results of the questionnaire taken in elementary schools in Nara and Osaka, it was found that a difference in progression for the science class had a great influence of science. We took an example from the second grade, "Toys moved by weights", and we tried other tests along the same line. Using a paper wheel, for the beginning toy, the children added weights and other properties to an advanced scientific level of complicated toys. We asked the children, in a correlated calss, to write a report of what they had done and include criticism of which toy they liked and why. We found that the children at the low primary level were able to grasp the basic theory of fulcrum and balance while they were playing with the above mentioned toys. Interest in other subjects will follow naturally when interest in studying science is enhanced and it also follows that good human nature will also develop. We believe that the teacher's attitudes and zeal will spill over onto the children. The findings of the survey were as follows : 1. In the development of science in the lower grade of elementary school, let the children play with educational science materials to enjoy themselves. During such play they will by nature develop science skills and theories and learn to make their own play with science materials such as the toys. These skills are important to develop. 2. For that kind of leadership it is very important for the teachers to be provided with sufficient study materials such as scientific toys. 3. It is highly desirable to use the correlated teaching method to raise the level.