Okayama University Showcases Engaging Science Experiences at the Kaheita Okazaki Memorial Museum

Okayama University Showcases Engaging Science Experiences

On July 4, 2025, Okayama University's General Technology Department participated in the 'Exciting Science Workshop' hosted by the Kaheita Okazaki Memorial Museum. Approximately 50 students from local elementary schools gathered at Kibiplaza in Kibichuo Town for a series of captivating science experiments designed to ignite their curiosity.

The General Technology Department set up eight different hands-on activities, allowing children to immerse themselves in scientific exploration. The themes included:

- Creating Pet Bottle Kaleidoscopes
- Making Chromatography Art Bookmarks
- Crafting Bath Bombs
- Playing with Slime
- Producing Fake Caviar
- Assembling Stargazing Boxes
- Experiments with Straws and Rubber
- Spinning Tops

Children eagerly collaborated to visit as many booths as possible, maximizing their learning experience within the given time. In the 'Pet Bottle Kaleidoscope' activity, staff members had thoughtfully prepared by pre-cutting the bottles and using specialized tools from the university's workshop, ensuring that even younger students could safely and efficiently enjoy the experiment.

The 'Chromatography Art Bookmark' station amazed the participants as they carefully used pipettes to witness the vibrant colors of water-based pens separate and spread. Moreover, activities like 'Making Bath Bombs' and 'Playing with Slime' were particularly popular, drawing significant participation and delight as children encountered fascinating chemical reactions.

At the 'Stargazing Box' booth, the children shone with excitement as they peered into miniature universes. While the 'Straws and Rubber' experiment posed a greater challenge for the younger kids, they persevered in completing polyhedra. Meanwhile, the 'Spinning Top' activity allowed them to explore the contrast of colors when the tops spun versus when they were stationary.

Technical Researcher (TR) Takumi Wakimizu, who participated for the first time, noted, "I assisted children in sticking their drawn patterns onto the spinning tops, helping them visualize how the patterns would change during rotation. Witnessing their surprise when the patterns differed from their expectations was impactful. I hope such experiences foster a greater interest in science."

Sato Nobuhito, Director of the General Technology Department, expressed gratitude to the organizers and all participants, stating, "We are thankful for the continued opportunity to participate since last year. Through these diverse scientific experiments, we aim to instill excitement and curiosity, encouraging children to engage with various subjects. As a core research university in the region, Okayama University will continue to progress in collaboration with the community, promoting science, technology, and innovation."

The General Technology Department’s outreach and scientific promotion activities, co-hosted with the Faculty of Engineering, take place in various settings, not just within the university. They strive to create engaging themes that allow children to enjoy science and feel a closer connection to it. Excitement mounts for the future activities of Okayama University and the General Technology Department, committed to nurturing scientific curiosity among future generations.

Photos

- Greeting by Yoshihiko Tamura, Director of General Technology Department
- Activity scenes from 'Stargazing Box'
- Children enjoying 'Playing with Slime'
- Group photo of participants

For more information:

Okayama University is proud to support the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and has notably received the special award in the first Japan SDGs Award. As a regionally central and distinctive research university, it seeks to foster collaborative education and innovation.