Education about Natural Disatsters in'Science Education

Abstract

In this paper, we review research on teaching materials in science education about natural disasters in Japan since World War II. In science education, especially in the area of Earth science, there have been many studies concerning natural phenomena such as earthquakes or volcanic activities. However, a discipline-focused view of science education has not provided many opportunities to look at the social and human impact of such natural disasters. Lately an emphasis on Environmental Education and Science-Technology-Society (STS) Education has been introduced in Japan. These new approaches require the study of science to be linked to human well being and social development. Unfortunately, even since the 1995 Kobe Earthquake in Kobe there has been little evidence that these opportunities are being explored in science education. This paper will discuss ways in which such links can be made to provide more effective teaching materials for integrated learning of science in Japanese schools.