Topics

"J-PARC Outreach Lecture" held in January 2026

◆◇◆Yokoshibahikari Town Community Center, Sambu District, Chiba Prefecture (Saturday, January 17, 2026) ◆◇◆

As part of the Parent and Child Challenge Seminar "Enjoyable Science Experiment Class," an experimental workshop was held with the theme of "Dissection of Dried Sardines" for lower-grade elementary school students and "Let's Observe Snow Crystals" for upper-grade students.
The class was conducted by Dr. SHIBAZAKI Chie of the MLF Outreach Circle "Protons" (Technology Development Section).
On the day of the event, participants observed dissected dried sardines and ice crystals carefully using magnifying glasses, under the slogan, "The first step in research is to observe closely with your own eyes."
Many impressions and questions were shared by the participants, such as: "I observed dried sardines and now I would like to observe more living things around me," "I was surprised that the brain and heart are only about 5 millimeters in size," "What is the function of fish gills?" and "Does the shape of ice crystals change depending on how they are cooled? I would like to learn more about why water expands when it freezes."
Through these activities, the class successfully encouraged participants' interest in science.

　

◆◇◆Muramatsu Elementary School, Tokai Village (Friday, January 27, 2026) ◆◇◆

A hands-on workshop titled "Light Kaleidoscope" was held for third-grade students by Dr. UZUMAKI Tatsuya from the Public Relations Section.
During the session, students explored various optical phenomena, such as observing how liquids change color when illuminated with a black light, and how the appearance changes when two polarizing sheets are layered and one sheet is rotated. They also experienced the fascinating effects of light polarization firsthand.
In the final activity, the students created their own kaleidoscopes using diffraction grating sheets. By looking through their kaleidoscopes, they were able to see rainbow-colored light, and many students appeared very satisfied with the experience.
The school principal also observed the workshop and expressed interest in inviting the program again next year, commenting, "We would love to have this workshop again next year.