Physics/Chemistry Education in the orientation stage at the 5th and 6th grades in the Federal Republic of Germany —with special reference to Rhineland-Palatinate—

Abstract

All the pupils in grades 5 and 6 of schools in the Federal Redublic of Germany have not been taught physics education and chemistry education. In recent years, however, the concern of the educational reform has begun to be placed on the orientation stage. In relation to this movement, these snbjects began to be taught at this stage between primary and secondary schools. Through this study followings were made clear : (1) With the introduction of the orientation stage, all the pupils in 5 and 6 grades to be taught physics and chemistry. (2) Generally the science education in this stage is divided into biology and physics/ chemistry. The number of class periods a week allotted to instruction in biology and physics/chemistry is 4, 2 in two years respectively. (3) After many years of elaborats work, a totally new course of study was designed with the cooper ation of teachers and scientists as well as the government authorities. (4) The viewpoint of preparatory education holds a greater position than the consideration of the developmental stage of pupils.