Science Class at Ayahashi Elementary and Junior High School

A science class was held for 70 elementary and junior high school students at Ayahashi Elementary and Junior High School in Uruma City to learn about the impact of invasive alien species on the ecosystem. Ms. Azumi Kudaka, a research assistant at the Economo Unit (Biodiversity and Complexity Unit), focused on fire ants, an invasive species, and explained how to recognize them and their impact on the ecosystem. The students observed the characteristics of fire ants using microscopes and experienced what it is like to be in a real research setting. Through this class, the children became interested in environmental issues around them and deepened their understanding of the impact of invasive alien species on the ecosystem.