Science Outreach Classes for Elementary and Junior High Schools in the Amami Islands Region
Faculty of Science Koyama Keiichi
- amami
- yamato
Background and objectives of activities
In addition to holding outreach classes at high schools, the Faculty of Science at Kagoshima University is also working to hold various science classes for elementary and junior high school students in order to achieve one of the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals), “Quality Education for All”. The percentage of girls in Kagoshima Prefecture who choose to study science and technology is low, and this is thought to be due to the environment rather than their grades. Kagoshima Prefecture is made up of many remote islands as well as the mainland, and the disparity in educational opportunities between urban and rural areas is also considered to be a problem that needs to be solved.
Summary of Activities
In 2022, we held science outreach classes at Higashi Castle Elementary and Junior High School and Sumiyo Junior High School in Amami City, and in 2023, we held them at Takae Elementary and Junior High School in China Town, and they were very well received by the participating students.
In 2024, we held the event at Amami City Naze Elementary School, Yamato Village Imazato Elementary School, and Amami City Izube Elementary School.
We held a science class for elementary and junior high school students at the Kagoshima University Korimoto Campus as a science outreach event (the world of magnets), and used the principles of electromagnets and levers learned in elementary school science to make crane game arm mechanisms that worked with hand-cranked generators with the children.
Expected Benefits
It is hoped that this outreach program in the Amami Islands region will support students on remote islands in their career choices and support girls in their career choices in science and mathematics.