Disclaimer: machine translated by DeepL which may contain errors.

Families Experience the Wonderland of Science in Homecoming Day 2025

Kazuo Emoto (Head of Department Public Relations / Professor, Department of Biological Sciences)

Lecture scene: (Top) Associate Professor Aya Baba (Bottom) Professor Norio Masumoto

The Graduate School of Science holds a lecture event titled “Family Experience: Wonderland of Science” during the University of Tokyo Homecoming Day. This program invites alumni to participate with their families, aiming to introduce children to the appeal of science. This year, it was held on Saturday, October 18, 2025, in a hybrid format combining on-site attendance at Koshiba Hall and live streaming on the Faculty of Science YouTube channel.

Following an opening address by Dean Shinichi Ogoshi, Associate Professor Aya Baba from the Department of Physics delivered a lecture titled “Let's ‘See’ the Invisible, Hot, and Violent Universe.” Associate Professor Baba conducted the session with interactive quizzes, engaging the entire audience as participants raised their hands, creating a lively atmosphere. The second lecture, titled “What's Happening in the Tropical Seas,” was presented by Professor Yoshio Masumoto from the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences. Professor Masumoto explained the relationship between the atmosphere and the ocean using personification, and the participants listened with great interest. A Q&A session followed both lectures, with questions coming from both the venue and online attendees. The children's particularly active questioning was impressive, making this a meaningful opportunity to stimulate curiosity about science, just as the event intended.

The event drew 78 on-site participants, with 443 live stream viewers and 376 on-demand views. Survey results confirmed participation not only from upper elementary school students but also from lower elementary and middle school students attending with their families. All participants expressed high satisfaction with the lecture content.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all participants, the lecturers, and everyone who contributed to the event's preparation and operation on the day.