Tendency of description of nuclear and radiation-related matters in recent textbooks used at senior high schools in Japan

摘要

This report describes results of reviewing the description concerning to nuclear power or radiation found in about 90 volumes of textbooks of science (general science, physics, chemistry, etc.) and social studies (current social studies, politics and economics), geography and history, and health and athletics, published in the fiscal year 1997 through 1999. Considerable improvement, especially in the textbooks of science studies, was found in comparison with the previous review carried out for the 236 textbooks which were published before, during 1991 through 1996. In these books, scientifically correct and appropriate descriptions are being made for the fundamental knowledge nuclear energy, radiation units, natural radiation and radioactivity, radiation effects for human bodies, and radiation utilization. On the other hand, however, it was found that fear for nuclear or radiation safety still prevails in several textbooks of social studies. For example, nuclear accident of Chernobyl nuclear power station is cited in 70% of the books reviewed, as the large demerit of nuclear power as an energy source, and some description are made based on incorrect scientific data and biased information. The authors analyzed the present situation from various educational standpoints, and presented several proposals for improving the situation.