Some problems on the science education in elementary school and the teacher training system of Japan

Abstract

Recently, in Japan, most college students did not study earth science in high school. Only about 10 per cent of students have studied all subjects of science in high school. Many of them have studied only two subjects of science, particularly biology and chemistry, when they were high-school students. In addition, they did not spend much time on scientific experiment and observation in their school days. Contents that relate to earth science and biology represent more than 60 per cent of subject in science course of elementary school and many scientific experiment and observation are required, however, educational college students do not have enough science literacy to teach in elementary school. This is a serious issue on the teacher training system of Japan.