Sasebo Marine Expedition: Outdoor scientific experience for elementary and junior high school students

It was over twenty years ago when "disinterest in science" or "dislike of science" was warned for the first time in Japan. Though various efforts have made to prevent the undesirable prophet, it seems that most of them have failed to bear desirable fruits. National Institute of Technology, Sasebo College (SC), has also been continuing its efforts to solve the problem through providing young students with chances to get interested in science. In 2012, it started a new program "Sasebo Marine Expedition" with Sasebo City Marine Sports Association. The purposes of the program are to provide elementary or junior high school students with chances to experience scientific activities in natural settings and to provide SC students to grow mentally through joining the program as staff. The advantage of this scientific natural experience is that elementary and junior high school students can have as long as four days to work on their science program with ample supports of SC students. After the program, questionnaires were carried out. Based on the results, its educational value is discussed.