#Japan #Engineering Workshop #science education #Okayama #Okayama University

Overview

Okayama University, located in Okayama City, will hold the "Engineering Workshop for Elementary Students 2025" on October 14, 2025. This event, aimed at fourth to sixth graders, will take place at the Tsushima campus and will accommodate small groups of participants along with their families. For its 16th installment, the workshop continues from previous years by including popular themes such as building spectrum spectrometers and creating original piggy banks with 3D printers. Additionally, this year introduces the exciting new theme of "Making Erasers."

The workshop will kick off with an introduction by Yoshihiko Tamura, the head of the General Engineering Department. Children will then divide into three theme groups to actively engage in hands-on experiments.

Building a Spectrum Spectrometer

In the "Build a Spectrum Spectrometer" session, participants will learn about light spectra from expert instructors. Students will use scissors and cutting knives to cut out parts from cardboards, assembling their own spectrometers by affixing a diffraction grating and a measuring scale. To add a personal touch, they can paint and decorate their spectrometers. Finally, they'll observe the fascinating way natural light and various artificial light sources split into a rainbow spectrum through their creations. This visual experience often elicits gasps of awe as children see white light transform into a colorful display.

3D Printing an Original Piggy Bank

The "Create an Original Piggy Bank" segment involves teamwork, where one group designs the bank's lid on a computer, while another group paints the body of the piggy bank. Students utilize a simple modeling software with the assistance of technical staff and researchers to create unique shapes. Meanwhile, the painting group uses acrylics and markers to personalize their banks. Ultimately, after combining the pieces, children unveil their uniquely designed piggy banks and learn about the principles behind 3D printing and explore other machines in the workshop center, captivating both children and accompanying parents.

Making Erasers

A new theme for this year's workshop will see collaboration with Takumi Okinahara from the Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, where participants can create their own erasers. Using polyvinyl chloride and plasticizers, along with calcium carbonate made from crushed oyster shells from Okayama, children will have hands-on experience in mixing these materials. They will observe the fascinating reactions as the mixture is evacuated using a vacuum pump. The amalgamation will be cast into silicone molds and heated to create erasers, giving participants a practical understanding of materials and manufacturing. Successes and failures alike will serve as valuable learning experiences, reinforcing the experimental spirit in children.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

In a statement regarding the workshop, Norihito Sato, Vice President for Research and Industry-Academia Collaboration, expressed gratitude to all involved, emphasizing the importance of instilling excitement in the realms of science and innovation among children. Sato noted, "It is crucial to foster a sense of thrill and curiosity as we continue these initiatives to nurture the seeds of learning in children. Our commitment to hosting engaging science activities for elementary students remains steadfast."

The General Engineering Department carries out this community service and science promotion activity alongside the Faculty of Engineering. The workshop series aims to offer enjoyable scientific experiences for young participants, contributing to the role of Okayama University as a leading research institution recognized for its unique initiatives. Stay tuned for more opportunities from Okayama University and the General Engineering Department!