April 1 to 30.2007
Sony Preschool Education Program for Children
Symposium "Scientific Minds developed in childhood" - Now accepting applications
This symposium is being held in order to get people to think about the value and importance of nurturing "Scientific Minds", through actual case studies of child education in Japan.
"Nurturing Scientific Minds" does not mean giving children scientific education from an early age. Rather, it concerns the development of a foundation as a human being, through relating to
people, nature, and material objects.
We hope that many child-care providers/teachers, parents, students and workers in education-related fields will attend this symposium.
Outline of Symposium
- Theme: "Scientific Minds developed in childhood -- 7 perspectives for nurturing healthy and rich minds and spirits"
- Format: Panel discussion
Coordinator: Kiyomi Akita (Professor, Graduate School of Education, University of Tokyo)
Panel: Kiyoshi Aoki (Former Head of Life Science Institute, Sophia University)
Setsuko Otake (Director of Futaba Tsubomi Nursery Schools, Shinagawa ward)
Mitsuko Kaminaga (Former Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Child Education Division Investigator)
Hideaki Koizumi (Neuroscientist/Fellow, Hitachi, Ltd.)
Toshiyuki Yamada (Former Head of Sony Research Center) - Date: July 21 (Sat) 13:00~15:30
*A reception will be held after the event at the same venue (~16:30)
Venue: Main Conference Hall, 2F Sony Corporation Headquarters - Fee: Free of charge (symposium and reception)
- Contact: Sony Foundation for Education TEL:03-3442-1005
Application Deadline: July 5, 2007(Thurs) (either online or by fax)
Details of symposium and application:
http://www.sony-ef.or.jp/preschool/symposium/070721_info.html
http://www.sony-ef.or.jp/news/2007/070416.html
- Related information
Book "Scientific Minds Developed in Childhood -- 7 perspectives for nurturing healthy and rich minds and spirits"
Author:Hideaki Koizumi / Kiyomi Akita / Toshiyuki Yamada
Published through Shogakukan on April 27th (Friday)
"Nurturing Scientific Minds" Collection of Case Studies vol. 4 Now available
Out of the winning preschools from 2006, 18 case studies and ideas from 15 preschools have been selected for this year's "Nurturing Scientific Minds/Collection of Case Studies" (Vol.4).
We hope that many teachers from kindergartens/nurseries will find the outstanding and unique practices outlined in the selected essays informative.
The structure of Vol.4 is as follows:
Chapter 1 What does "Nurturing Scientific Minds" mean
Chapter 2 Capturing how to nurture "Scientific Minds"
A Feeling, being moved / B Thinking, caring / C Understanding, expressing
Chapter 3 Devising ways to "Nurture Scientific Minds" (environment)
The full text can be downloaded from the webpage:
http://www.sony-ef.or.jp/preschool/practice/
If you would like the brochure, please download the form from the link above and send it in by fax.
Contact:Sony Foundation for Education TEL:03-3442-1005
Comic "I see how it works now." Updated
The comic "I see how it works now." which depicts children's "Scientific Minds" is a new feature that started in late March. Updates are scheduled for the 2nd and 4th Friday of each month.
No. 3 is "Playing with Sand". Please have a look.
http://www.sony-ef.or.jp/preschool/cartoon/03_sunaasobi.html
Announcement regarding Project Report Presentation
3 preschools who received the 2006 Advanced Project Awardment will present their activities.
We have uploaded the information on the presentation by Chuo Nursery/Kindergarten of Izumo City (Shimane Prefecture) to be held July 7 (Sat).
Those of you interested, please have a look. We look forward to your attendance.
See the link below
http://www.sony-ef.or.jp/preschool/jissen/2007/chuou_info.html
The presentation dates for the other 2 preschools are as follows.
June 30(Sat) Midorigaoka Nursery School of Okazaki City (Aichi Prefecture) Currently being announced.
September1(Sat) Aizu-Wakaba Kindergarten (Fukushima Prefecture)
Web Magazine "Did you see that!? Scientific Mind" vol.47, 48
- vol.47: "Feeling Nature" Rolly pollies are much more fun than flowers
http://www.sony-ef.or.jp/preschool/webmagazine/webmag47.html - vol.48: "Stirring up the Mind" I wonder if it's okay?
http://www.sony-ef.or.jp/preschool/webmagazine/webmag48.html
"E-mail newsletter - Our Scientific Mind" Now available online
Preschool Education Support Program releases an e-mail newsletter.
If you wish to subscribe, go to the link below and register your e-mail address from the button on top left of the page.
http://www.sony-ef.or.jp/preschool/index.html
"Wellspring of Science Inspiration---Children's Schoolhouse of Dreams"
Call for 2007 students closed
Call for students for the 3rd Wellspring of Science Inspirations - Children's Schoolhouse of Dreams (FY2007) closed on April 23 (Mon).
We would like to thank all applicants.
Information regarding next year's application will be announced around March 2008.
