Onna x OIST Children’s School of Science 2024 brings community together

Over 130 kids participated in the week-long program.

From July 22 to July 26, 2024, children from Onna Village attended the Onna-OIST Children’s School of Science (OOCSS), where they were given the exciting opportunity to step into the shoes and lab coats of researchers. The program, which is organized by the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) and Onna Village, aims to invigorate the curiosity within younger generations and encourage them to pursue scientific fields.

The school took place at the Fureai Taiken Gakushu Center in Onna Village, where over 130 elementary school students participated in a diverse array of classes. This marked the OOCSS’ fourteenth anniversary, put together by the efforts of scientists, students, and staff members from OIST and volunteers from Onna Village.

Heather Young, Vice President of the Communication and Public Relations Division at OIST, addressed the future generation of scientists at the program’s opening ceremony, which was held in the university’s auditorium: “During the Onna-OIST School of Science, I encourage you to ask lots of questions, explore new ideas, and never be afraid to say, ‘I don't know, but I want to find out.’ Your curiosity will guide you through science and fun.” Participants were then given a tour of the campus and a front-row seat to the thrilling work of OIST’s scientists.

The students were divided into five different groups based on their grade level, ranging from preschool to sixth grade. Each class was assigned a specific theme that correlated with the activities and topics that they would engage in throughout the program’s duration.

Preschool: “Let’s Play with Science”
Grades 1-2: “Life in Water”
Grades 1-3: “Discover with Science”
Grades 3-4: “Science Around Us”
Grades 5-6: “Use Science to Learn About the World”

A preschool student creates a clay animal during a class entitled “Using Natural Objects to Make Figures.

With the help and supervision of volunteers, the preschool class explored the world of science through art. They used paper and clay to make various crafts, such as family trees, origami, and animal figures.

Students in 1st and 2nd grade learned about fascinating marine creatures in Okinawa, including mudskippers and coral. Dr. Marleen Klann, a staff scientist in OIST’s Marine Eco-Evo-Devo Unit, instructed a class on survival in coral reefs and how to identify potentially venomous aquatic life. The children were also able to examine fish and their pigmentation patterns up close.

Dr. Klann and a student carefully inspect a fish with a magnifying glass.

“We need to train our future scientists,” Klann says. “It’s important to have them be engaged with the ocean now, while they still care about it.”

The 1st – 3rd grade class had the opportunity to act as archaeologists and explore unique fossils from Okinawa with the help of Professor Bernd Kuhn, head of OIST’s Optical Neuroimaging Unit. By digging through sandboxes and utilizing microscopes, they also went on a “microscopic adventure” and journeyed into the captivating world of tiny organisms.

Students in 3rd and 4th grade garnered a greater understanding of manta rays after a riveting lecture from Rikako Ozaki, a research intern within OIST’s Macroevolution Unit. They were also given a lesson on environmental issues, such as the threat that microplastics pose to oceanic life. Moreover, these young scientists learned about sea anemones and their mysterious bodies.

Two students in the OOCSS use a microscope together.

5th and 6th grade students in the program traveled to Nago Museum and became familiar with the natural history of Okinawa. They also attended a lecture taught by OIST researchers that focused on a newly discovered species of weevil.

On the final day, all participants were presented with a certification of completion at the closing ceremony by Professor Kuhn and the chairperson of Onna’s Board of Education, Kiyohiro Gishitomi. They were commended for their dedication toward the pursuit of learning and discovery.

A student is handed their certificate of completion at the OOCSS’ closing ceremony by Mr. Gishitomi.

The OOCSS serves as a testament to OIST’s strong relationship with the local community and its commitment toward inspiring the next generation of researchers. The program encourages children to take a closer look at the world around them and actively ask questions. It creates an environment where young minds can thrive and be rewarded for their natural curiosity.

As Dr. Klann concluded her lesson, she asked her students: “Did you have fun?”

They roared back: “Yes!”