IHI conducted outreach classes at elementary and junior high schools in Soma City, Fukushima Prefecture
At the IHI Soma Works, we conducted outreach classes on two themes for elementary and junior high school students in Soma City, Fukushima Prefecture during fiscal year 2025, continuing the program from the previous year. These classes aim to introduce children to the excitement of science and IHI’s approach to manufacturing.
This year, we held classes titled “Exploring the Secrets of Jet Engines” on September 29 and 30, and October 7, 8, and 23. In these classes, we clearly explained the mechanisms of jet engines, IHI’s flagship product, to 304 students from 12 classes at Isobe Junior High School, Koyo Junior High School, and Nakamura Daiichi Junior High School in Soma City through lectures and experiments. Once again, we utilized teaching materials co-developed with the Ochanomizu University Science & Education Research Institute for the lectures. For the experiments, we used plastic bottle cars powered by propellers. In the experiment, students measured how the speed and distance traveled by the plastic bottle cars changed based on the size of the propeller, allowing them to experience the principles of jet engines firsthand. After the classes, students shared feedback such as, “It was interesting to explore how things work,” and “I want to work at IHI in the future!”
Additionally, lessons themed “The Workings of Forests and Soil” were held at elementary schools in Soma City on October 15 and 16. On October 15, one class each at Ohno Elementary School and Yamagami Elementary School participated, and on October 16, two classes at Nakamura Daini Elementary School participated. A total of approximately 100 children learned about the importance of nature and ecosystems by observing familiar soil animals.
Associate Professor Kazuya Yoshimura from the Ochanomizu University Science & Education Research Institute was invited as a lecturer. He provided clear explanations on how forests and soil support ecosystems, and how global warming and climate change impact biodiversity. In the latter half, using stereomicroscopes, the children observed soil animals collected from the IHI Soma Works and the school grounds. They actively deepened their learning by sketching the specimens and asking questions to Associate Professor Yoshimura.
The IHI Group continues to offer outreach classes, hoping that children will develop an interest in science through hands-on experiments and observations, nurturing the seeds of future engineers and researchers. We will continue to collaborate with local communities to provide enjoyable learning opportunities.
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https://www.ihi.co.jp/en/sustainable/topics/2024/detail/1201233_13714.html