An Investigation Concerning the Methods of Observation and Experiment in Science Teaching

Abstract

At present, we have many books concerned with science teaching, and a large number of methods have been reported refering to the observation and experiment. Science teaching is widely prevalent in almost all the countries of the world from the first stage of school education, and the reports on devices and practices in this province must be numerous by the teachers or others engaging in the guidance or research of education. Besides, from the standpoints of natural scientists and engineers many effective devices are suggested as to the method of experiment. Moreover, from the side of instrument or apparatus makers, a number of methods are proposed. As a matter of fact, however, the in service teachers are too busy to examine those numerous methods closely; they are prevented from the examination under the pressure of the busy management of their imminient teaching materials. It is desired that we can examine the papers of forerunners' work effectively within a short time in order to systematize the research methods of science teaching. Accordingly it will be necessary to complete the list of references on these subjects. For the first of this study, the author has taken up The Science Education Monthly edited by The Japan Science Teaching Society. He has tried the investigation and classification of the ideas of observation and experiment reported in The Monthly. He has picked up 600 items from the 126 monthlies (No.1, Sept. 1952-No.126, Feb. 1963). The result is listed on table 2 in the text (cf. pp. 40~52) In the general classification, 326 items are listed in physics, 94 in chemistry, 76 in biology, 57 in earth science and 45 in the others. Through the table he has perceived that a large portion of these reports were still sticking to the traditional types of experiment, and the contents of real originality or new devices were not so many. It can be pointed out that the report belonging in the physical branch was comparatively numerous, showing the majority, while it was rather less regarding the teaching materials in the division of biology and earth science in primary schools, and in the second branch of science in junior high schools. He can safely say that the introduction of new methods and products of modern techniques into science teaching is still to be wanted. The reports on the same theme, having a comparatively large number, are as follows:---apparatus for electrolysis 12 items, device of light source and alcohol lamp (burner) 9 each, model motor and hydrogen generating set 8 each, atomospheric pressure, floating and sinking, and respiration 7 each, friction, surface tension, ingredient of air, and observation of the moon 6 each and so on. Comparing the individual papers in the same item, it is not impossible to grade them, and to select the most profitable method regarding each item, if we can investigate alarge numer of the reports in the world concerning the same item. If it is so, it will not become so difficult to develop the new device in science teaching, based on these investigations. The author fully expects to complete these investigations and to advance the science education. By the mere individual work, this sort of work cannot be anticipated to bear much fruit. He desires that this investigation should be widely developed by some committee, for instance, the proper section of JS TS. Besides, he is waiting for the discussion about his idea and the cooperation for the purpose of completing the investigation.