Abstract
Recently, the importance of science communication has been frequently discussed in Japan. For the popularization of science communication, several courses of science communication training have been established under the cooperation of universities, museums, journalism, etc. However, the science communicators cultivated in such courses are not sufficient for conducting nation-wide science communication activities. The principal abilities required in science communicators are a good understanding of science, an ability to teach science, and an ability to communicate corresponding to the age and developmental stage of the targeted individuals. In the curriculum of a teaching training college, students are required to master the latter two abovementioned abilities. In the science course of a well-established Japanese teaching training college, students study pure sciences for their graduation thesis, and learn the skills of investigation as well as manipulation of scientific instruments over a long period of time. Moreover, they have practice-teaching periods thrice during their curriculum, wherein they practice the teaching methods and also the modes of communication directed toward various groups of children. We prepared opportunities, namely extramural courses, which enable students to combine their accumulated abilities. Further, a questionnaire survey indicated that these trials were effective for the promotion of public awareness of science.
