Science is hot at the moment! Let’s head out to the interactive learning facility that focuses on SDGs and STEAM education!

I’ve been hearing a lot about STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) education and SDGs (sustainable development goals) lately, but I’m not quite sure what they are… They sound so difficult…
Well, this is a perfect place for you and for children’s independent research projects!
We’ll introduce you to a facility where you can enjoy and have lots of fun while learning more about science and technology!

Kōriyama City Fureai Science Space Park

The closest place to space in Kōriyama!?
Become an astronaut and set out on a space adventure!

Kōriyama City Fureai Science Space Park is located on the 22nd floor of the Kōriyama Big-I, the landmark building right by the Kōriyama Station. A dazzling world of floating planets will welcome you as you enter the main entrance.

The journey of science starts from past stories. Watch the animation and learn what early astronomers thought about space back in the day. Now let’s walk down the stairs to the exhibition room and start our outer space exploration full of hopes and dreams!

 

What does it feel like to be in outer space? Experience the wonders of gravity without having to go out to space!

At the “Moon and Satellites of Earth” area, you can experience the “Moon Jump” (not the moonwalk!). Feel what it’s like to step on the surface of the Moon where the gravity is 1/6 of the Earth’s gravity. With just a little force, your body will turn in various directions when you’re in space. You can also try to experience zero gravity by doing a “triple spin”.

Boing! Boing!

Wow!? Spin, spin, spin!

Have a go at operating the small rover that’s used to run on planet surfaces and the robotic arms found on space stations!

Rovers are cars that explore the surfaces of planets like the Moon and Mars. It takes 3 seconds for the commands from the controller to reach and move the 2/3 scale Moon rover on display. Keeping in mind the time lag, have a go at controlling the rover by solely relying on the camera.

▲Can you tell which way is up and down in space?

 

Imagine the majestic world of space, stars and the galaxy.

In the “Evolving and Expanding Space” area, you can learn about the history of space, from the birth of the universe to the evolution of stars, through a show that utilises light and sound effects. There is also an area where you can learn more about planets and the galaxy through videos. At the booth called “Measure the Distance of Stars”, you can use the models to measure the size of the stars that are hundreds of millions of light-years away. Use the trigonometric function that you’ve learnt in your math class to accurately calculate the distance of the stars!
The models of the Hubble Space Telescope and the Subaru Telescope exhibited at the “Portrait of Space” are known for collecting the observational data that holds the key to solving the mysteries of astronomy and space.

▲The Hubble Space Telescope (model)

Let’s interact with science at Surprise Experiment Lab!

You can enjoy experiments and crafts related to familiar topics at the Surprise Experiment Lab. The topic for today was to see the world through creatures’ eyes. We looked at some photos using special glasses that let us experience the visions of dogs, bees and octopuses! We also got to make the eyes of fish using marbles!

 

You get to see real things like an actual meteorite and rockets!

There’s an iron meteorite that was found in Argentina! It weighs 14 kilograms, and it’s much heavier than it looks.

There are many other real items on exhibit, including a space suit, a part of the test rockets used to launch satellites, and the Parabolic Antenna that was used as a radio telescope.

▲Part of a rocket

▲Parabolic Antenna

▲Models of H-IIA rocket and H-IIB rocket

▲Look! A message to the aliens!

Comment from our reporter:

Although I’ve already been here before, I was able to enjoy it all over again. I think it’s fantastic that we can learn about science and space from various perspectives and experience things using the whole body. I especially recommend the child-friendly experiment!

Kōriyama City Fureai Science Space Park

2-11-1 Ekimae, Kōriyama, Fukushima

TEL 024-936-0201

Hours:
Exhibition Area 10:00~17:45 (Entry until 17:00)
Observation Lobby 10:00~20:00 (Entry until 19:30)
Closed: Every Monday (closed on the following day if Monday is a public holiday), New Year holidays
*The park may temporarily close due to maintenance work.

Admission fees:
Exhibition Area – General (under 65) 400 yen
High school and university students 300 yen
Primary and middle school students 200 yen
Infants and seniors over 65 Free
* Entry to the Space Theatre requires an additional fee.

There’s also a play area for kids!