CREATIVE KIDS TOP CANVAS Our Secret Hideout [Science Log]

CANVAS

2020.10.14
Our Secret Hideout [Science Log]

From

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

On September 26, we held the event “Seed Model: Let’s Fly a Seed Airplane!”

The theme for this session is “seeds”—the baby plants that are all around us. Since seeds, unlike us, cannot move on their own, how do they increase their numbers? Through observation and experiments, we explored the various strategies seeds use to do this.

This time, we had sent out seeds of a plant called “Futabagaki” in advance. We started by observing the seeds together. “It has something that looks like wings!” “Isn’t that brown thing inside the seed?” We spent some time observing while taking notes. “How does this seed reproduce?” “I wonder why it has wings?”We asked everyone to gently toss the seeds. Then… they spun around and fell to the ground! For those who couldn’t get them to fly well, we asked their families at home for help… and observed how Futabagaki seeds fly. This is how they spread their numbers—spinning as they fall from high up in the trees to various places.

We also made and flew a model seed airplane out of origami. As we observed real seeds, we wondered, “If we make it look exactly like a real seed, will it fly the same way?” “Oh! It’s spinning around!” “Huh? I can’t seem to get it right…” “Let’s try launching it from a higher spot!” It was a time of trial and error like that.

One child even showed everyone, “I’ve been collecting lots of seeds at home!” Wow! That’s amazing! So many! Being able to share things like this is something unique to being at home. The plants living right around us—they may seem like they’re just living their ordinary lives, but they’re actually using all sorts of clever strategies to survive. If you look at your surroundings with that perspective, the scenery might look a little different than usual.

I’m looking forward to exploring all sorts of things with you all again next time! Next month… on October 25, it’s “Ghost Pumpkins… Erupting!?” with the Power of Chemistry!

We look forward to your application here as well★

https://www.canvas.ws/kenkyujo/


　

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  • Digital Picture Book Author

    Professor, Keio University; Ph.D. (Policy and Media)
    Director, B Lab
    Chairperson, Learning of Tomorrow (General Incorporated Association)
    Chairperson, CANVAS

    After graduating from the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Tokyo, he served as a visiting researcher at the MIT Media Lab before founding the NPO CANVAS and the Learning of Tomorrow Association, a General Incorporated Association, and assuming the role of representative. He serves as an outside director for Matsuya Co., Ltd., Fuji Media Holdings, Inc., and Digital Garage, Inc.
    He has served on various government committees, including the Information and Communications Council of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, as well as the NHK Central Broadcasting Program Council. He also serves as a director of the Digital Signage Consortium, among other roles. He holds a Ph.D. in Policy and Media.
    His publications include *Turning On Children’s Creativity!*, *What Are Smart Kids Doing on Their Smartphones?*, *The Forefront of Online Education in Japan: Considering Learning in the Post-COVID Era*,“What Is Programming Education? 45 Questions Parents Want to Know,” and “Declaration on Digital Education.” He has also provided supervision for numerous works, including “Ah, I See! Programming Education for Parents and Children Through Manga.”