ABSTRACT
In Japan, the Courses of Study recommend learning science through the use of museums and science museums. Children must be provided with quality learning that is not limited to the domain, not only in school but also in informal settings. The authors have been conducting the development of STEM/STEAM education programmes at the ‘Museum of Natural and Environmental History, Shizuoka’ located in Shizuoka City. Utilizing the museum's benefits, it has been challenging to conduct STEM/STEAM practices for younger students who have not previously been subjected to this type of learning experience in the museum. The programmes have more than 18 themes and have been divided into two groups according to the grade levels of the participating children, namely Kindergarten to second grade (K–2nd) and third grade to sixth grade (3rd–6th). About 20 children were recruited from each grade group per year. Each year, three to four practices among each theme were used to track how the children had changed in their learning during each practice. This chapter introduces one of the programmes in detail, specifically the science and historical programme that focuses on the rocks, rock walls, and rock structures that are common around us in Shizuoka. The design of the framework when programming the theme, the record of practice, and the results obtained are described. The programme has shown us that it can motivate children and improve their abilities of creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and intrinsic motivation.
