#Japan #Tokyo #IMAGINUS #Lupicia #Jumonji Gakuen

Summer Food Education Workshop

The Jumonji Gakuen Women's University, located in Saitama, Japan, will host an engaging summer workshop titled "Chilled ♡ Tea Magic Laboratory" in collaboration with the science experience facility IMAGINUS and the well-known tea company, Lupicia. This initiative aims to provide elementary school students with a fun and educational experience that focuses on the intersection of food and science.

About the Workshop

The workshop is designed to educate students about the science behind food, particularly focusing on tea and its various characteristics during the summer months. Through this program, children will discover how color, aroma, and temperature affect their tea experiences. The workshop is set to include various types of teas, accommodating younger participants by incorporating decaffeinated options and caffeine-free teas.

Key Learning Objectives

1. Experiencing Food Science with the Five Senses
Children will explore the question, "Why do the color and aroma of tea change with the water temperature and brewing time?" They will engage in hands-on activities that allow them to see, smell, and taste tea, fostering a deeper understanding of the science behind it through intuitive observation.

2. Guided Learning from University Students
Jumonji Gakuen students will serve as facilitators, assisting children at each table as they conduct experiments and create sweets. This interaction not only gives the university students an opportunity to apply their knowledge but also inspires children to develop their interest in science through engagement with role models.

3. Support for Summer Independent Research
As part of the workshop, participants will receive a special 'My Tea Research Notebook' that they can use to jot down their discoveries and experiences during the event. This note is designed to assist with home studies and further explorations after the workshop.

Workshop Activities (Selected Highlights)

• - Tea Magic Experience: Participants will observe how the brewing time affects the tea, as well as the color and aroma changes when adding ice, lemon, or milk.
• - Sparkling Sweets Experience: Children will enjoy creating "sparkling mini parfaits" and exploring a magical jelly that changes color when lemon syrup is added, all without using heat.

Event Details

• - Title: Chilled ♡ Tea Magic Laboratory - The Wonders of Sparkling Sweets and Tea
• - Date: July 30, 2026: ① 10:00 - 11:30 / ② 13:30 - 15:00
• - Venue: IMAGINUS, Ground Floor Meeting Room 3, 2-14-13 Koenji Kita, Suginami-ku, Tokyo, Japan (5 minutes walk from JR Koenji Station)
• - Instructors: Students from Jumonji Gakuen Women's University, Faculty of Human Life Sciences, Food and Nutrition Department, Nakaoka Seminar
• - Target Audience: Children aged 4 and above (accompanied by a parent for those in 2nd grade and below)
• - Participation Fee: 2,000 yen (including materials)

About Jumonji Gakuen Women's University

The Department of Food and Nutrition at Jumonji Gakuen Women’s University focuses on nurturing nutritionists equipped with advanced knowledge and rich humanity. The applied nutrition research laboratory led by Associate Professor Kanae Nakaoka actively conducts outreach activities in conjunction with local communities and businesses. It allows students to enhance their practical skills and communication abilities through the planning and operation of food education events.

About IMAGINUS

Opened in October 2023, IMAGINUS is a science experience facility located on the site of the former Suginami No. 4 Elementary School. It hosts over 20 events each month, ranging from craft workshops for children aged 4 and older to experimental classes and adult workshops. IMAGINUS aims to turn "Why?" into "Ah!" by presenting the joy of inquiry through science.

About Lupicia

Lupicia is a specialty tea store offering over 400 different types of tea sourced from around the world, including black tea, oolong tea, Japanese tea, and unique blends. The company promotes the diverse charms of tea, transcending traditional styles and categories.