From

a CANVAS Facebook post*******************************************

On Sunday, May 16, we held the #Science event “Let’s Build a Carbonated Magma Machine Full of the Wonders of Chemical Reactions!” as part of the “Secret Hideout in Our Home: Online” series!

https://www.canvas.ws/kenkyujo/report/20210516.php

With the cooperation of Thermo Fisher Scientific Japan Group (hereinafter referred to affectionately as “Thermo Fisher”), we held a free “Secret Hideout in Our Home” workshop!

Thank you to everyone who participated!

So, what did we do, exactly…?

"Why do bath salts create bubbles when you put them in the bath?"

"Why don't water and oil mix?"

Things that are familiar to everyone—things we take for granted.

Could it be that various chemical reactions are actually taking place?

Let's try conducting a chemistry experiment using everyday items we normally use for cooking and cleaning.

Once you've conducted an experiment and experienced the power and mechanisms of chemical reactions,

Let's use that power to build a mysterious carbonated magma machine that bubbles away!

Let's make predictions, conduct experiments, and try making something!

I’d like to share a few things we prioritized as we worked with the team at Thermo Fisher to develop the program.

■Visually Stunning Experiments

When I first spoke with Thermo Fisher,

"Let's make this something where we can just enjoy the scientific reactions!"

Both sides felt this way very strongly.

That's why I chose this experiment.

Using only everyday materials, a bubbling chemical reaction takes place, producing bubbles that look like magma.

It’s so beautiful that you can’t help but find yourself staring at it for a long time.

I still vividly remember the expressions on the children's faces the moment a reaction occurred during the workshop.

■ Prioritizing “Asking Questions” Over Explaining Chemical Reactions

To make it easier for siblings to participate from home

We held the session in a mixed-age class of preschoolers and elementary school students.

To ensure that all the participating children could enjoy themselves, we made a point of not including explanations of the chemical reactions.

Adults are the ones who, after conducting an experiment, immediately want to hear an explanation of why it happened that way. But there might be some children who want to keep experimenting at a more leisurely pace.

Rather than thinking you understand just because you heard a brief explanation,

What questions can you ask based on the scientific reaction you just witnessed?

I cherished those moments.

I’m so happy to hear that many of the children continued experimenting with various things for over an hour after the workshop ended.

● Comments from Parents

"Since you sent us the materials needed for the workshop in advance and explained the experiment to us, we were able to conduct the experiment smoothly even online."

"It was so wonderful to see the children's excited faces. Although they don't even know the term 'chemical reaction' yet, I hope this will spark their interest. Thank you for this fun experience."

"At first, I was a little underwhelmed by how simple the experiment was, but on the other hand, I felt it was great that it left room for the children to expand on it using their own imaginations. After it was over, they spent over an hour happily trying out various combinations and solutions, so as a parent, I’m very satisfied that it was a truly educational experience. Thank you very much."

We also received many other comments from parents. Thank you very much!

I look forward to seeing you again somewhere.

[In Collaboration with] Thermo Fisher Scientific Japan Group