The relationship between science and values surfaces in Thailand science education by
virtue of the impact of a Buddhism-based way of life, which is infused in science teaching and
learning. This approach also may impact upon students’ scientific literacy as reported by
Prayutho (1991). Thai Buddist Way Schools aim to enhance students life long learning; excellence
in ethic, moral, academic, and sport; social responsibilities; and respect of religion, culture,
tradition, and virtue. To obtain such school goals, students have to be successful in six
areas: duty, devotion, discipline, discrimination, and determination. In order to introduce students’
to the Buddhist way of life, early morning all students have to read Buddhist scriptures
and engage in Buddhist Meditation for Peace. In the first period of Thai Buddhist Way
Schools, students have to learn the subject of human merit that emphasizes five aspects of
human merit: love, mercy, truth, good conduct, peace, and non-oppression. Science subjects
have to integrate with religion, tradition, culture, and local wisdom. For example, when learning
about fluids and buoyancy, students have to integrate other subjects via the theme of “Loy
Kratong”. Loy Krathong is held on the full moon of the 12th month in the traditional Thai
lunar calendar. In the western calendar this usually falls in November. Loy" means "to float".
"Krathong" is a raft about a handspan in diameter traditionally made from a section of banana
tree trunk. However, now, Krathong use specially made bread 'flowers' and may use styrafoam
and other materials, decorated with elaborately-folded banana leaves, flowers, candles, incense
sticks and so on. During the night of the full moon, many people release a small raft like
this on a river. Governmental offices, corporations and other organizations also build much