EXAMINATION OF VISITING CLASS ON ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT EDUCATION BY COLLABORATION BETWEEN JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL AND UNIVERSITY

Abstract

To overcome environmental change and to build sustainable society, science literacy for the following generation has been developed through Education for Sustainable Development. Science literacy is based on a fundamental education such as science and mathematics. However, Japanese society has faced to the decrease in motivations for school students. We have carried out the learning programme on the theme of renewable energy in collaboration with the 6th Junior High School and Yamagata University since 2008. The programme aimed at development of students' interest in science and technology. The classroom for the 3rd grade students was divided eight groups consisting of three or four students. Each group designed their windmill and fabricated with given materials. Several teaching assistants helped them to make holes or to do some difficult works. The fabricated windmills were connected to a given small electric generator. The generated power of the windmills placed at a wind tunnel was measured. While the rate of scienceliking students before class was 36% of the class, it increases to 75% after class. Especially, change in science-liking attitude of female students was prominent. Since the visiting class consisted of the several active factors of design, discussion, fabrication, cooperative work and presentation, students enjoyed these activities. Group work involving with fabrication might be effective to increase student's interest and to inspire environmental issue