• Journal of The Korean Association For Science Education
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• v.21 no.1
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• pp.38-58
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• 2001

This study aims to illustrate T. H. Huxley's life and activities as a pioneer of British school science education which have been relatively little known than other aspects of him (e.g. Darwin's Bulldog). Undoubtedly, Huxley was one of the great scientists of the Victorian era, but he was also an active reformer of scientific enterprises and school science education through his strong engagement in various governmental and non-governmental positions and through his talents of delivering speeches and of writing books. He joined as a member to various royal commissions (esp. Devonshire Commission), became a president of several important scientific societies (e.g. Royal Society, BAAS) and published many well known books (e.g. Science and Culture, Selected Essays). As a science educator, Huxley himself taught biology and physiology for thirty years and known as an excellent teacher, participated in several historical education reform activities (e.g. a member of Devonshire Commission and of London School Board), worked as a science teacher trainer and as a DSA science examiner for the improvement of the quality of science teaching, and wrote a number of textbooks (esp. Physiography, The Crayfish) for various levels of schooling including elementary and secondary, imprinted his new idea on science teaching. His great role as a pioneer of school science education followed by a more professional successor, Prof. H. E. Armstrong who was better equipped with a more theoretical framework on the activities of learning science.