Shimadzu Hands-On Analysis School

Shimadzu Hands-On Analysis School

The Shimadzu Hands-On Analysis School was set up from our desire to provide elementary, junior and high school students with opportunities to become interested in science. Launched in Japan in 2007, the school allows children to experience performing simple experiments and making things, in addition to experience operating our analytical instruments. It has been held more than 200 times and with over 7,000 participants in total. In addition, Shimadzu Group employees participate in these events as volunteers on holidays.

We currently hold three courses: (1) a spectrometry course (spectrophotometer) (2) a chromatography course (high-performance liquid chromatograph) (3) a brain function measurement course (NIRS: Near-Infrared Spectroscopy brain function imaging device).

Outside Japan, the school has been held in the US at Shimadzu Scientific Instruments Inc. (SSI), Germany at Shimadzu Europa GmbH (SEG), Singapore at Shimadzu (Asia Pacific) Pte Ltd. (SAP), Malaysia at Shimadzu Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. (SML), and China at Shimadzu (China) Co., Ltd. (SSL).

Photos of the school in various countries

[Course details]

(1) Spectrometry course (spectrophotometer)

Students use a spectrophotometer to analyze differences in the color of familiar beverages. After learning about the basics of light and color that they need to know when using a spectrophotometer, each student makes a spectrometer and observes various types of light. This lets them have a firm understanding of the spectrum that is the principle of the spectrophotometer.
The course is aimed at elementary school upper grade students to high school students.

Experiencing the three primary colors of light

Making a spectrometer

The completed spectrometer

Observing the light transmitted through a liquid (*1)

Analysis using an instrument (*2)

(2) Chromatography course (high-performance liquid chromatograph)

Students use high-performance liquid chromatograph and analyze the amount of caffeine in familiar beverages.
They experience the principles of high-performance liquid chromatography through experiments using a column chromatograph.
The course is aimed at high school students.

Color separation using a column chromatograph

Students use a precision balance

Hands-on experience of an analyzer

(3) Brain function measurement course (NIRS: Near-Infrared Spectroscopy brain function imaging device*)

Students use a device that visualizes brain activity with near-infrared light and observe changes in the frontal lobes that governs thinking.
By observing the blood vessel of the hand using surveillance camera, students can experience the action of near infrared light, and understand the principle that underlies the device.
The course is aimed at high school students.
* An instrument for visualizing brain activity using near-infrared light and which is used in the rehabilitation field.

Observing blood vessel in the hand using camera

　

Checking changes in brain blood flow

　

Examining frontal lobe activity