On August 22, 2013, an outreach event called "Let's Play with the Earth" was held at the Museum of Evolving Earth on Tokyo Institute of Technology's Ookayama campus. This event was hosted by the Museum with the support of ELSI. Approximately 130 elementary school students attended the event, joined by their parents. During the two hour event, the children were able to explore the world of Earth Science through various hands-on experiences. Using the difference in specific gravity, the children learned to identify rocks and minerals, they learned how to uncover fossils, and to observe minerals with microscopes. The children were exposed to experiences that they would otherwise not have access to in their regular school life, thus giving them a chance to develop an interest and learn the fun of Earth Science.

I would like to share with you a letter that was sent to us from a parent of one of the children who attended this event. I don't know if this parent is a father or a mother but the letter was very touching. The parent started by explaining what a disastrous child this 6th grader was in school. This child could not stay focused or settled in any of his class sessions. And yet, thanks to attending "Let's Play with the Earth", the child was transformed by his own awakened interest in the subject. He never showed any motivation for his school work before and yet, because of the easy and fun way that our scientists taught the children, the 6th grader embarked on his own summer self-study project. He had discovered the joy of learning, something he had never experienced through classes at his school. The parent was moved and reassured by the child's ability to show motivation to learn. The parent expressed deep appreciation that the doors to the child's world had been opened through him learning about rocks and minerals.

It was a success, thanks to our scientists sharing their passion through teaching, thanks to the children for responding with an eagerness to learn, thanks to the parents who took time to bring their children to the event, and thanks to the organizers and staff for making the event happen in the first place. As a PR leader for our science institute, this event confirmed the importance of such community outreach activities. Science is not about good grades but about inspiration and passion to pursue something new. This 6th grader's story has inspired me!

by Yu Yonehara/PR leader