IHI Holds Jet Engine Class for Kids in Kure
On March 27, IHI Kure Works organized a class at the Kure Maritime Museum in Hiroshima Prefecture, showing local elementary schoolchildren how jet engines work. The students did an experiment with propeller cars. IHI and Ochanomizu University’s Science & Education Center developed the curriculum. The instructor was Project Associate Professor Kazuya Yoshimura.
Participating were 38 elementary school children and their parents, who responded to municipal government newsletters and leaflets to secure their spots. The session began with an overview of IHI’s jet engine component manufacturing in Kure, followed by an in-depth explanation of the history and mechanics of jet engines. The children found the session fascinating, listening intently and frequently raising their hands to ask questions and share insights.
The focus then shifted to experiments. The children formed teams of four. They built plastic bottle cars and experimented with propeller cars of varying sizes. They measured travel times and distances, discovering how propeller sizes affect speeds. The curriculum emphasized the importance of thoughtful experimentation, encouraging children to develop hypotheses and understand principles before drawing conclusions. This approach deepened their understanding and fostered a spirit of scientific inquiry. Many participants expressed their enjoyment and gratitude for this educational experience.
IHI Group remains committed to nurturing tomorrow’s engineers by conducting classes for schoolchildren and engaging in community activities that enhance public understanding of its operations.