Nature-study and the future of science education in elementary-school

Abstract

Based on the structure of a science discipline (Earth science), natural system is divided into two types; hierachical and mutual interacting systems. A core of curriculum in science of a Ecological Society emerging in the 1980s is an understanding of ecosystem in nature so that the model of mutual interacting system is most useful idea to form a new paradigm in future science education. Nature-study developed from 1900 to 1940 started with direct observation of child's environment and it established curricula and teaching methodology for the relation ships between children and environment. Therefore, the method already well established in the nature-study movement also may underlie the organization of curriculum and instruction of science education in the 1980s.