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  3. Student volunteers participated in the "Science Festival for Young People."

Student volunteers participated in the "Science Festival for Young People."

  • Social and community collaboration
  • College of Arts and Sciences
  • university

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On Saturday and Sunday, July 25 and 26, 2026, the "Science Festival for Youth 2026 National Conference" was held, with eight students who studied science communication in College of Arts and Sciences participating as volunteers.
Student volunteers assisting with the construction of regular icosahedron dice.
The "Science Festival for Youth" is one of Japan's largest children's science communication Events, where children can experience and experience the joy of science, mathematics, and science and technology through experiments and crafts, and is organized by the Japan Science and Technology Foundation.

It has been held since 1992, and this year it attracted 17,403 people over two daysPeopleThey came to visit.
Student volunteers assisting with microscopic observation of dried sardines.
This year, through the Regional Collaboration Division of the 'Science Festival for Youth' secretariat, we received an invitation from students who had studied science communication at our university to volunteer to observe dialogue and assist with exhibitions.

For this reason, Associate Professor Kana Ariga of College of Arts and Sciences, the head of the Science Communication Program, called out mainly students taking related subjects and program majors, and eight students were selected to participate.
Volunteers observing and recording communication between visitors and exhibitors.
On that day,"Let's play with knots - an experience using pipe cleaners," "Let's make a regular icosahedron die!"Approximately 60 booths were set up, and student volunteers played an active role in various ways, such as recording conversations at different booths and assisting with experiments.
Student volunteers assisting visitors.
Here are comments from three students who participated in the volunteer work.

・Rakura Yamamoto, 2nd year student in the LA program
Because I had the experience of participating in a science festival when I was little, I participated because I was interested.
Most participants were in the lower grades of elementary school. The venue was filled with exhibits and workshops that piqued people's curiosity. It was so interesting, just walking around was really fun. The Events mainly focuses on children, There are plenty of opportunities for experiences and learning that adults can enjoy, making for a truly refreshing experience. That's it.
As a volunteer, I observed the conversations at each booth. I kept records. Among them, Various methods are being used to make learning science fun. I learned about that, and it made a strong impression on me.
 Free and open dialogue is taking place between learners and scientists. I have come to understand the significance of science communication firsthand.

・Hina Kimura, 3rd year student in the LA program
The reason I participated in this volunteer activity was, How should elementary school students with little knowledge of science approach science? I was curious about what you would be interested in. And then... I myself have little participation in scientific Events, Although I was in a volunteer capacity, I participated because I was hoping to make new discoveries about science. I decided on that.
On the day of the event, the theme is "Let's think about the marine environment starting with dried sardines in the kitchen." I helped out at a booth with the theme of [theme name].Therefore, it was very interesting. Disassembling the dried sardines was difficult, Making things like specimens, We examined the contents of the anchovies' stomachs under a microscope to consider the environment in which they grew. I did. Especially when I found clam larvae.The children's eyes lit up and they observed with such rapt attention; it was truly impressive.
 There was also time to look at other booths. I myself was able to gain new insights. Let's experience the fun of science together with the children. I also learned how to teach science to children.It was a fulfilling day.

Kotomi Ito, 4th year student in the LA program
Because I belonged to the science communication seminar, I was interested and decided to participate.
On the day of the event, I will be working as a science communicator, interacting with exhibitors and participants (children). Record and evaluate the dialogue.deathThe participants had questions, It was really fun to watch them enjoying crafts up close.
Also, It is a valuable opportunity to closely observe the process by which children acquire various knowledge and experiences. It was an opportunity.
Also, By participating as a volunteer, I had the opportunity to talk with the exhibitors. What are everyone's motivations for exhibiting? I was able to learn what kind of expectations people have for their children.
Not only for those interested in science communication, I would recommend this to anyone who wants to work with children or who is interested in education. 。
Eight students participated in the volunteer work.

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