IHI Yokohama Office Inspires Future Engineers Through Manufacturing Class
The IHI Yokohama Office held its annual manufacturing class on July 20 as part of an ongoing commitment to contribute to the science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM)* learning of young people. The Yokohama office has conducted these classes since 2006. Its employees voluntarily run the program, putting together the educational materials publicizing it. This year’s class was for elementary school students and proved very popular, drawing 180 parents and children.
- *The Institute for Arts Integration and STEAM of the United States defines STEAM Education as a learning approach that uses its constituent disciplines to guide student inquiry, dialogue, and critical thinking.
Children immersed themselves in two of four activities relating to the ocean, this year’s theme. The employees incorporated content from elementary school science classes and designed the activities to encourage children to embark on their own exploratory journeys, with assistance from adults and staff when necessary.
The activity options for the day were:
1. Launch a flying fish rocket: Experience the power of water and air using a water bottle.
2. The picture disappeared! Experience the mystery of water and light!
3. Light up a mini harbor: An introduction to working with electronics!
4. Create a sea creature: Clay candle making.
The children thoroughly enjoyed the day engaging with various activities. One loved being able to perform experiments not available at school. Another was eager to engage in similar creative endeavors down the track. Many parents also found the day worthwhile, with one being particularly happy that it sparked their child’s interest in manufacturing. The employees organizing the event also enjoyed working with the children as they experienced things that would not typically be part of their daily work.
IHI will continue to leverage these activities to foster learning among the young and develop quality content that participants and planners alike can enjoy and learn from.
