Purpose

In Japan, with its aim of developing the nation based on science and technology, the growing disinterest of children in science and decrease in manufacturing ability is a serious problem. It can also be understood as the negative result of a specialized, cumulative educational approach. In order to change the flow of this social phenomenon, it will be important to develop in students the sensitivity and intellectual curiosity necessary for “making things” and to train professionals with various abilities through strengthening the university's education of firsthand experience in experiments and practical training.

The Integrated Center for Sciences has developed an educational program with a wide range of possibilities through experiments and practical training for the university's students. It was established with the aim of instilling an attitude of self-directed learning and practice in students and of supporting the acquisition of the knowledge and skill necessary for the development of rich creativity.

Outline of the Facility

The center carries out work necessary to meet its goals mainly through

1. Experiment and practical training programs for undergraduate students
2. Support for the development of the abilities of graduate students
3. Organic cooperation in experiments and practical training between General Education and specialized education
4. Cooperation with education and research institutions outside the university and development of educational programs
5. Administration of experiment and practical training equipment installed in the center

In particular, the center functions as a place for implementing practical, experiential learning programs that support the development of an attitude of self-directed learning and the intellectual and technical foundation necessary for development of rich creativity in students in the science and technology related faculties and in graduate students.

The center's current educational program addresses 23 topics, including

1. Reenactment of historically important experiments that led to the discovery of scientific principles
2. Practical experience of the basic manufacturing methods used in the field of industrial technology
3. Understanding of the fundamental structure and operating principles of products used in daily life
4. Practical experience of the fundamental technologies related to life environments
5. Others (Topics proposed by students)

In the future, the center will continue its efforts to develop educational programs available to the entire university. In addition, the center is available as a place for improving education in science and technology in the region.

Brief Introduction

The Integrated Center for Sciences is a facility for the development of topics for implementation based on new ideas. It is located on the Johoku campus in Integrated Research Building 2, as well as occupying approximately 650 m2 in the Engineering Faculty Lecture Building. The facilities are equipped for experiments and practical training, including chemistry experiments. More than ten faculty members and staff are present at all times to provide direct guidance and to work with students as they carry out their experiments. At present, the center has a capacity for use by approximately 100 people and 20 topics at one time. While there is no large facility under the center's administration, it is relatively well-equipped with the instruments and tools needed for experiments and practical training.