This paper discusses the development of new curricula, materials, and equipment in Japan. The first section, "The Development of New Curricula," discusses the National Curriculum Council and the improvement of the content of instruction, including basic directions for improvement, the structure and content of school subjects, and the improvement of systems. The second section, "Development of Materials," relates to both the needs of schools for material development, and the funding of such developments. The third section, "Equipment," presents the Science Education Promotion Law, which was established in 1953 to support the purchase of science education experimental materials and equipment for elementary, middle, and high schools. Included are tables listing instruments needed for students with various handicapping conditions to study science topics in the elementary and secondary schools. In addition, some data is presented regarding the frequency of the use of observations and experiments in teaching biology, chemistry, physics, and earth science. (TW)