Science Education・ESD and Systems

Abstract

This paper analyses precedent studies to define “ Earth” as one of the scientific concepts. As a result, three viewpoints of earth systems are suggested. 1) The system is consisted from a variety of elements (the first viewpoint “ Element” ). 2) These elements make interactions each other (the second viewpoint“ Relation”). 3) The system changes to a certain direction (the third viewpoint “Change”). On the other hand, the National Institute for Educational Policy Research(2012) suggested the framework of ESD. This framework contains six concepts (Ⅰ Diversity, Ⅱ Interdependence, Ⅲ Limitation, Ⅳ Fairness, Ⅴ Cooperation, Ⅵ Responsibility) for building a sustainable society. These concepts become viewpoints to catch learning problems and teaching materials of ESD. And these six concepts are congruent with three viewpoints (“Element”,“ Relation”, and “Change”) mentioned above. Thus, the system concept is an important concept in understanding the sustainable society as well as the global environment.