2025 Activity Report vol.34:Mie University

This program has been conducted annually to invite students and faculty members from Ho Chi Minh City University of Education to Mie University, with the aim of providing opportunities to learn about science education in Japan. In its tenth year, the 2025 program was held from February 12 to 18, 2026, and welcomed seven undergraduate students and one faculty member. All the students aspire to become science teachers in Vietnam, and the program offered a meaningful and professionally relevant experience that is expected to inform their future teaching practices.

On the first day, an exchange session was held with Vietnamese exchange students currently enrolled at Mie University. These exchange students introduced their academic experiences, daily life in Japan, and interactions with Japanese peers and local communities. This session enabled participants to form a concrete image of studying abroad in Japan and appeared to strengthen their motivation to pursue further study opportunities. Notably, one of the exchange students had originally come to Japan after participating in a Sakura Science Program at another institution, highlighting the long-term impact and significance of such initiatives.

On February 14, a mini research presentation session was held as part of the “Junior Doctor Training Program”, a science talent development initiative at Mie University. Three junior doctor students presented their research findings using slides, and some conducted their presentations and discussions in English. The visiting participants actively engaged by asking questions and providing comments, leading to lively and productive discussions. The following day, participants visited the Nagoya City Science Museum together with the junior doctor students, where they enjoyed many hands-on exhibitions.

On February 17, the Sakura team visited Yonenosho Elementary School in Matsusaka City. After meeting the principal, they joined a fifth-grade science lesson taught by Mr. Masashi Maeda. The lesson featured a STEM-oriented learning activity utilizing LEGO blocks, sensors, and iPads. Students worked collaboratively to design earthquake-resistant structures by programming vibrations and testing the stability of their models. The visiting participants joined the student groups and took part in the activity, experiencing firsthand the integration of programming, engineering design, and scientific inquiry. During recess, they also interacted with students through card games and soccer, gaining insight into everyday school life in Japan.

In addition, participants visited Tsu High School and Yokkaichi High School, both designated as Super Science High Schools (SSH) in Mie Prefecture. At Tsu High School, they participated in a special chemistry lesson, conducting experiments collaboratively with Japanese students. At Yokkaichi High School, they attended a physics class and engaged in measuring gravitational acceleration using a ticker timer. These experiences provided valuable exposure to inquiry-based and experiment-centered science education at the secondary level in Japan.

As the program period coincided with Tet, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, participants prepared small gifts presented as “Otoshidama” in traditional red envelopes. These were given to Japanese students during school visits, creating meaningful opportunities for cultural exchange and mutual understanding.

Through participation in inquiry-based and collaborative learning activities, the participants gained a deeper understanding of Japanese science education and obtained valuable insights applicable to their future teaching careers. Notably, some past participants of this program have gone on to pursue doctoral studies at Japanese graduate schools, demonstrating its sustained impact. Moving forward, continued collaboration among Ho Chi Minh City University of Education, Mie University, and local schools will be essential for further advancing international educational exchange and fostering the development of future science educators.