Significance of Bioethics in Science Education: Practice of "Fish Dissection" in Training of Elementary School Teachers

Abstract

Bioethics relates to problems of every species of lives as well as human life in nature and social environments. The importance of "experiential learning" and the necessity of guidance about the "preciousness of life" have been proposed by many researchers in science education. However, almost all students have no experience of animal dissection, because description of animal dissection has been decreasing in school science in recent years. In this study, we investigate students' thought on dissection, scientific concepts, and their esteem for life through classes of "fish dissection" at a department of education in a university lecture, and consider the educational significance of animal dissection. The results of the study are as follows: A questionnaire to students after the class of "fish dissection" revealed the following facts; First, most of the students answered that it was good to practice fish dissection. Secondly, they had a lot of impressions or notions on life and seemed to realize the "preciousness of life". Therefore, "animal dissection" occupies a critical position in training of elementary school teachers.