School Corporation Odawara Educational Media Co-creation with Tomisui Kindergarten
- The following is content from the press release -
This initiative is part of the project aiming for "Standardization of Infant x STEAM," which was launched with the participation of Yasufumi Kawamura (scientific research for the movie "Doraemon: Nobita and the Sky Ideal World") and Naomi Kobayashi (infant STEAM expert) in the press release below, announced on April 30, 2025.
Previous press releaseYasufumi Kawamura, science researcher, and Naomi Kobayashi, infant STEAM expert, participate in "Doraemon: Nobita and the Sky Ideal World".
Odawara Kyoiku Media Corporation Tomisui Kindergarten (Odawara City, Kanagawa Prefecture)Then,In collaboration with MIRIDE, STEAM education was formally introduced as a regular curriculum in the 2025 academic year.
a company specializing in infant STEAM.MIRIDE Corporation (Head office: Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo; Branch office: Tachikawa, Tokyo)Through the ongoing program provided by the "Why? Through the ongoing programs provided by the "Why?" program, we will systematically and regularly conduct a series of learning that develops from inquiry learning (experiments and observations) that elicits children's "Why?
Practice Details
For older children (5 years old),Monthly themes of exploration based on program design throughout the yearThe school is developing learning that links experiments, observations, and programming activities.
In this initiative, the emphasis is not on "teaching a class" per se, but on creating an environment and management in which STEAM education naturally leads to children's actions and statements.
For example,
- Designing spaces and progressions that make it easy for children to ask "Why?" and design a space and progression that makes it easy for them to ask the question "Why?
- How to encourage and interact with the instructor so that the participants feel that "thinking is fun.
- Conscious sharing leads to parents so that the seeds of exploration continue in the preschool and at home after the class.
He said,A system that goes beyond the "content of the class" is implemented in a way that is naturally linked to the preschool's childcare services.The company has been
The first theme introduced in this issue is "Secrets of Hydrangea Colors.
Through experiments and observations, we will experience the color changes caused by differences in acidity and alkalinity,
Based on this phenomenon, we programmed "your own flower" using a tablet.
Why does it change color?" What happens when you mix acid and alkaline? "Are there so many flowers with anthocyanins in them?" And, "How many flowers have anthocyanins in them?
The classroom was naturally filled with children's "questions" and their inquisitive minds were ignited.
Comments from homeroom teacher
I feel that the children are naturally in a "thinking mode" because STEAM classes are a part of their daily lives.In an activity about the changing colors of hydrangeas, students asked, "Why?" "Look, teacher!" and "Look, teacher!" were the overflowing voices, and it was impressive to see how seriously they took their questions.The instructor from MIRIDE asked the questions at the right time, so I felt that I was able to fit into the flow of the childcare without difficulty and that the level of difficulty of the activities was just right.Even after the event was over, many said, "I want to try this at home!" Many of the participants said, "I want to try it at home!" and it seems to have led to conversations with their parents."
Comment from Mr. Isao Tateno, President of Tomisui Kindergarten
At Tomisui Kindergarten, we aim to create an environment in which students can challenge themselves in a variety of ways.The spirit of challenge and inquisitiveness that grows out of many hands-on experiences is the foundation of the power of life and individuality.We believe that children's eyes sparkle through STEAM education while"Why?" and then making their own trial-and-error attempts, I realize that this is a valuable learning experience that responds to the spirit of inquiry.The following is a list of the most common problems with the
We areWe want to cultivate the ability to explore from infancy in order to nurture talented individuals who will go on to become global leaders.We think it's a good idea."
Comments from Koutaro Hanamatsu, MIRIDE Representative
I believe it is important for STEAM education to take root as part of the culture of childcare and the home. We are encouraged by the attitude of schools like Tomisui Kindergarten that incorporate "Time for Exploration" as a part of their daily routine.Through these efforts, we will continue to carefully accumulate and record the growth of non-cognitive abilities and inquisitive minds, and challenge ourselves to visualize this growth.In the future, we aim to collaborate with government and research institutions to create a system that can return practical knowledge from the childcare field to society as a whole."
To all educators who wish to visit
Principals and educators interested in STEAM education at Tomisui Kindergarten are encouraged to contact MIRIDE.You can observe an actual class in session. The stable operation of the preschool is our top priority, and the date of the tour will be adjusted according to the preschool's schedule.
