Science Zone
Olfaction: understanding molecular mechanisms and invention of novel masking fragrance
Dr. Takashi Kurahashi & Dr. Hiroko Takeuchi
Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University
It is generally believed that the sense of smell is a kind of fuzzy sensation. But the olfaction itself plays indispensable roles in human life. The biggest reason why we do not pay attention to olfaction is that this system skips the recognition step in the brain and sends signals directly to the deep part of the brain. Because of such neuronal projection, olfactory senses play roles without inducing your recognition. We are able to catch hundreds of thousands of odorants. Pleasant flavors and fragrances bring about a comfortable state, while bad smells induce bad feelings and emotions.
In this workshop, first, you will receive a lecture regarding the molecular mechanisms of olfactory signal transduction and olfactory masking. Next, using several pleasant smells, you will try to create an elegant fragrance that can also mask an unpleasant odor. Through these activities, we believe that you will understand the fundamental mechanism of olfaction, and how you can use olfactory masking in your daily life.
Design competition: creating habitats on new worlds
Dr. Saeko S. Hayashi
Institute for the Physics and Mathematics of the Universe, The University of Tokyo
Humans are at the doorsteps of living on another body in space, far away from anything that is familiar to them. Doorsteps – literally and physically. Construction of the moon base is going to start in a few years. The bases and the orbiters/stations around the Moon will become the Gateway to the next target, Mars. In the meantime, exploration of icy moons is set to begin. Actually, the Europa Clipper mission will begin its journey shortly before JSSF 2024 starts. I will make a brief introduction of those objects and their environment.
In this zone, there will be three teams which will design the habitats on alien worlds: Moon, Mars, and one of the icy moons around Jupiter or Saturn. Each team will have four sub-teams to design the following fundamental components of the habitats: the construction of factories and houses, the transportation system, water collection and reservoir, and the agriculture (food!). Just imagine, you as a developer are presenting your proposal at the United Nations (or in the near future, United Federation of Solar System Objects).
Climate management and the food production are key components for the long-term stay in those worlds. How do you lead such endeavor? Work as a team is the foundation of any activities in space. Oh, did I say safety? For any extra-vehicular or out of the building activities, two of you need to work together. Human side of management is therefore very important.
Look up! Your destination is up there, always!
Let’s Draw Electronics Circuits Using Circuits Marker
SDGs Promotion Committee ROHM Co., Ltd.
What do you imagine when you hear about “electronic circuits”? Most of you may think that they are difficult, far from reality, and complicated like a maze. Actually, electronic circuits are being used in almost all products that support our daily lives, such as smart phones, TVs, cars, air conditioners, refrigerators, etc. Electronic circuits make many things possible to make our lives more convenient by calculating, sending data, turning lights on and off, etc. depending on the combination of various types of components and circuit paths. This time we'll try creating actual electric circuits using just a battery, LEDs, and a special marker that, its ink could easily become electric paths!
Engineering is fun!
Mr. Eric Hagiwara
Waiakea High School
In this science zone, students will learn what the field of engineering is and then work in groups to complete two fun engineering challenges. First, you will have to build a bridge using only straws and pipe cleaners to span a 20 cm gap which will then be tested to see how much weight it can hold. Second, you will be introduced to straw rockets which you will then build and test to hit a target 10 meters away. Communication and the engineering design thinking method will definitely help you win these challenges. The winner of this zone will be the team that has the best scores on these two challenges. Do you have what it takes to problem solve and be the best engineer? Are you curious about what engineering is? Then this is the zone for you!
Build a Sturdy Bridge with Paper
Mr. Toru Kagemori
Waseda University Honjo Senior High School
Using a single sheet of A4 copy paper, you will construct a bridge that is 20 cm long. When building the bridge, you are not allowed to use glue or tape. You can only use a stapler and paper. There are no restrictions on the number of staples you can use, but you must use the provided stapler.
You will be given two sheets of paper: one for practice (white) and one for the actual construction (green). The tools you can use include scissors, a utility knife, a stapler, staples, and a ruler. You are free to search the web for ideas and techniques.
Once your bridge is completed, it will be placed on a platform with a 16 cm gap. A string will be used to hang weights from the bridge. The person whose bridge can hold the heaviest weight will be the winner.
From my experience, it is possible to hang up to 16 kg. Think carefully about the structure of your bridge to make it as sturdy as possible.
The Origin of the Modern Telescope
Dr. In-Ok Song (KSA) & Ms. Natsuki Kasamaki (Rits)
Korea Science Academy of KAIST & Ritsumeikan High School
The use of astronomical telescopes began in 1610 when Galileo Galilei built his own refracting telescope with an approximate diameter of 4 cm and pointed it at astronomical objects. While previous telescopes had been used primarily for military purposes, Galileo pointed it at the sky to make observations. He observed the craters of the moon and the rings of Saturn with his homemade telescope. His major achievement was his observation of Jupiter's four moons moving back and forth around Jupiter and the phase of Venus, which led him to the heliocentric theory. Later, in order to develop astronomical observation, the Keplerian telescope was created to replace the shortcomings of the Galilean telescope.
The telescope has continued to develop greatly since then, and even today, improvements in telescope performance are a key element of astronomical observation. In this Zone, you will build your own Galilean refracting telescope, the origin of the modern telescope, and observe your surroundings.