Abstract
The purpose of this study was to clarify how the authorized textbook, "Yoiko-no-kagaku (Science for Good Children)" (1949・50) was influenced by "Shizen-no-kansatsu (Observation of Nature)" (1941・42) before the Second World War and the substitute textbook, "Rika-no-tomo (Science as a Friend)" (1948) after the War by means of comparing the former textbook with the latter textbooks. Through the study of documentary records, the following conclusions were reached: (1) 40 and over percentage of the units of "Rika-no-tomo (Science as a Friend)" (1948) were the same ones of "Yoiko-no-kagaku (Science for Good Children)" (1949・50). About 20 percent of the units of the above textbook were introduced in "Rikai-no-mokuhyo (Objectives of understanding)" which were adopted as the textbook standards for science in elementary school in February 1949 with others. (2) The unit "A soap bubble" was incorporated into "Shizen-no-kansatsu (Observation of Nature)", "Rika-no-tomo (Science as a Friend)" and "Yoiko-no-kagaku (Science for Good Children)". The principal objective was to awaken children's interest in the soap bubble in these three textbooks. (3) The seesaw as teaching material was not adopted in "Shizen-no-knsatsu (Observation of Nature)" and "Rika-no-tomo (Science as a Friend)". Therefore it is thought taht "The Basic Science Education Series, Machines" (1944), compiled by B. M. Parker, may have been referred to during the creation of this material. (4) Comparing "Shizen-no-kansatsu (Observation of Nature)" with "Yoiko-no-kagaku (Science for Good Children)" revealed not only that the theme of individual research were different in both lessons using these books, but also that the progress of presentation of their research results were unliked in both.
