#Japan #Okayama #Okayama University #Smart Trash Can #MOSAdemy

Empowering Future Innovators: Smart Trash Can Project at Kansai High School

In a remarkable educational initiative, Okayama University, a national university located in Okayama City, engaged with Kansai High School students to design and build a smart trash can equipped with sensors. The event took place from July 22-24, 2025, as part of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology's "DX High School" program aimed at enhancing digital education in high schools.

With 40 first-year students attending the advanced course from Kansai High School, this unique learning experience was orchestrated by MOSAdemy, a student-led educational support organization at Okayama University, led by Yuki Shimizu from the Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science. Six undergraduate and graduate students acted as instructors during the classes.

A Dive into Technology and Creativity

The workshop focused on creating a smart garbage bin that could open and close automatically using sensors. The students began their hands-on learning experience by tackling a logical problem using flowcharts to understand the mechanism behind the device. Following this foundational exercise, they utilized card programming—a visual programming method ideal for beginners—to construct the necessary programming to control the trash can's movements.

Once they had the program in place, the students transitioned to building the circuitry. Using a breadboard, they carefully assembled the electronic components, integrating some soldering where necessary. The final stages involved adjusting the sensitivity and response of the sensors to ensure a highly functional product.

Engaging Learning Experience

Over the three-day course, students immersed themselves in a comprehensive creative process characterized by three critical phases: thinking, making, and moving. Many expressed deep appreciation for the challenges and joys inherent in technology and creation. On the final day, each group presented their project, reflecting on their successes, failures, and learning experiences to the audience with pride.

Students shared their reactions, with one remarking, "At first, I thought it seemed difficult, but the feeling of achievement when it worked was incredible." Another expressed gratitude for the close mentorship by university students, stating it allowed them to engage confidently in the hands-on work. Yuki Shimizu commented on the high school students' impressive capacity for quick learning and creativity, noting it was a stimulating opportunity for the instructors as well.

Commitment to Future Learning

Okayama University is dedicated to continuing its practical educational support through collaboration with local high schools. This initiative is part of their larger mission to nurture the next generation of talents ready to adapt to changes in society. The university encourages the advancement of such programs that contribute significantly to reimagining educational landscapes in the community.

This project not only fosters interest in technology among students but also contributes to regional revitalization and sustainable development goals, aligning with Okayama University's pledge to support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As the university plans more of these engaging educational collaborations, expectations are high for what future initiatives will bring.

Together, through the lens of innovation and cooperation, Okayama University continues to build a promising future for its students and the community. The excitement revolving around the Smart Trash Can project is just the beginning of many groundbreaking endeavors on the horizon.