Hypothesis-Experiment Class (Kasetsu)

The first part of this book presents the philosophy behind Kasetsu Hypothesis-Experiment classes and Classbooks (Jugyosho), whilst the second part includes English versions of four of the HEC Classbooks. Both HEC classes and Classbooks are based on the "child-centred" principles of science education developed by Dr Kiyonobu Itakura long before this approach became a byword in education. Teachers are encouraged to find ways of allowing students' own curiosity and thinking to guide their discovery of scientific ideas and, above all, to respect the ability of students to apply their own knowledge of the world to their learning. Meanwhile, students will find scientific ideas, such as the structure of atoms and molecules and the creating and testing hypotheses, presented in engaging ways that seek their personal input.