An Attempt to Foster Science Literacy through Lecturing at a Nursing Department : Practical Use of "Science for All Japanese"

Abstract

In 1989, AAAS (The American Association for the Advancement of Science) published "Science for All Americans", which defined science literacy and laid out some principles for effective learning and teaching. Stimulated by the American example, the Science Council of Japan organized a national project in 2005, called "Science for All Japanese". It is now generally recognized as the first major step toward ambitious national standards in science for all students, and serves as a foundation for current efforts to reform science education in Japan. The author has tried to introduce the "Life Science" section of "Science for All Japanese" into her teaching of nursing college students. The results of the study are as follows: The author's lecture generated much interest among students. They studied topics such as the "human organism", "biodiversity", "living environment", and "sustainable development", and reached a high level of academic achievement. "Science for All Japanese" can no doubt be an effective way to reforming science education in Japan.