Curriculum Development of Japanese Elementary School Science Regarding Biodiversity Conservation Focusing on Alien Species

This chapter features a study developing an elementary school science curriculum on biodiversity conservation and invasive alien species. This study has three purposes: first, to identify requirements in developing the curriculum through a literature review; second, to survey elementary school students’ perceptions of alien species, and, third, to develop and evaluate the curriculum. The developed 90-minute intervention lesson included a case study about the failed introduction of two alien species that became invasive in Japan: mongoose (Herpestes auropunctatus) and largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides). Comparing pre- and posttest results revealed that after the intervention lesson, students’ preperceptions about alien species (which were heavily influenced by nonformal education (e.g., television)) were transformed into multifaceted and appropriate perceptions. The lesson also helped students to understand that the ability to “predict the future and make plans” is critical in biodiversity conservation and in dealing with invasive alien species. The curriculum introduced in this chapter was developed based on Japan’s sociocultural context of biodiversity and alien species. The program could be enhanced by incorporating lessons learned from challenges in other countries.