「土器を用いた海水からの塩作り」の教材化と実践的研究 : 古代人の知恵から学ぶ環境教育

抄録

In the new course of study, "Periods for Integrated Studies" will start in all schools in Japan In addition, environmental education is becoming one of the main themes for the classes. The theme of the present study is "The manufacture of Salt from seawater using earthenware," the ancient method of salt manufacture. Since we would like to develop combined teaching materials for "Periods for Integrated Studies" and environmental education, we studied salt manufactured from seawater using earthenware. Firstly, we visited one of the biggest ancient salt produced still in Wakayama prefecture, Nishinosho ruins, and investigated the kilnmarks, fragments of earthenware, and the size of the salt manufacture work places, etc. Secondly, we developed teaching materials. By traceing the method of salt manufacture using earthenware. Using clay dug from the ground in Osaka city, we made earthenware pieces using the Tesugune (hand kneading) method resembling ears of corn. We dried the earthenware in the shade for a while, then the pieces were baked in an oven kiln. Thirdly, we chose two elementary schools in Osaka and gave children the opportunitiing to actually make salt using the earthenware pieces. In these schools, instructors helped their pupils experience manufactur salt from seawater. From these activities, they learned how clay changes into earthenware, and how to manufacture salt. Through understanding how ancient people made use of nature, the children recognized the importance of nature. We would also like to encouage them to become interested in the protection of their environment.