We held a "Summer Vacation Kids' Experiment Class" at Kinesu Tenno!
On Tuesday, August 6, and Wednesday, August 7, 2024, we held the “Summer Vacation Children’s Science Lab”—a science experiment workshop for elementary and junior high school students in Shibata City (organized by Nagaoka University of Technology and Shibata City; in cooperation with Kikusui Sake Brewery Co., Ltd.).
Let's observe microorganisms that are invisible to the naked eye!
For the Day 1 theme, “Observing Microorganisms in Our Daily Lives,” we conducted an experiment in which the children used microscopes to observe “microorganisms”—tiny organisms invisible to the naked eye. We had provided the children with two types of culture media (food for microorganisms) in advance, and they each brought in the microorganisms they had cultivated.
Whether it was a “measuring cylinder” or a “microscope,” everything was new to them! They learned how to use them with guidance from older college students. The children were thrilled to see the microorganisms with their own eyes!
What Do Microorganisms Do?
On the second day, under the theme “The Power of Koji Mold and Enzymes,” we learned about the roles microorganisms play and how they are involved in our daily lives.
We welcomed Ms. Ayako Kimura from Kikusui Sake Brewery Co., Ltd., who spoke to us about “koji mold” and “enzymes”—both essential to sake brewing. The children tried their hardest to imagine what “enzymes”—which are even smaller than microorganisms—might actually be.
During the experiment, we used rice koji provided by Kikusui Shuzo Co., Ltd. to help the children experience the power of enzymes (amylase). They observed how the oblate dissolved under the action of the enzymes and tried making the enzymes crystallize so they could see them. It was impressive to see the children concentrating so intently on their careful work!
Through this hands-on science workshop, the children learned about the existence of microorganisms that are invisible in our daily lives, and they also learned how these microorganisms support our lives.
Bonus Robots working in rice paddies have made their debut!
While we were waiting for the experiment to begin, the “lawn mowing robot” currently under development at COI-NEXT made an appearance. *Day 1 only*
It is said that the most difficult part of organic rice farming is weeding. To ease the farmers’ burden even a little, robots move around on the water-filled rice paddies.
Rice paddies are home to microorganisms, robots, and all sorts of “hardworking creatures.”
Did you get a sense of how science and technology are needed in so many aspects of our daily lives?
Summary
Although this was the first time this event had been held in Shibata City, it reached capacity in just over three days after registration opened, which really showed us how motivated the children of Shibata City are.
We also received many heartwarming messages after the event ended.
We’ve received comments such as, “It was fascinating to see microorganisms under a microscope,” “It was fun to make a crystal pendant,” and “It was great to learn things we don’t get to study in school.”
I’m sure there were many shortcomings, but I hope you all have fond memories of the event.
The venue for this event, “Kines Tenno,” is a former elementary school that was renovated and reopened as a shared office space. Staff from Nagaoka University of Technology are on site every day, so please feel free to stop by Kines Tenno even after the event is over.