Your staff must all be science fans, too.
I suppose so. I'm sure they don't dislike science. The science that
we work with is quite different from the concept of science that a researcher
or technology expert might have. The layperson might think that it's the
same, but that would be a serious misconception. As an engineer, I'm sure you
wouldn't
want to be seen as being in the same category. My work is to take ideas from
science and other sources and present them in ways that suit my audience.
If the audience consists of children, then my approach will be tailored accordingly.
Though our positions are different, I recognize the importance of
your work. When we call for volunteers from among Olympus employees to work
on Waku Waku Project events, we get huge numbers of applicants. On one occasion
there were 70 people at our meeting.
That's amazing. I hope they'll volunteer for my company!
Each of our events is attended by 200-300 children. That's why we
need volunteers. To provide the required standard of support, we need one staff
member for every 3-4 children. But I'm always amazed that so many people volunteer.
Some people are worried about the declining popularity of science, and I guess
that some want to share their knowledge as engineers.
Participation in those events must give people a real sense of freshness.
When the children get excited, our staff share that excitement.
Though we've only staged seven events, word has gradually gotten around, and
we've started to get a lot of requests. But it would be difficult to do more
than four events a year. I think it's important to make our experiments as
easy to understand as possible. That's the secret. What do you think?
Simplicity and clarity are essential. For example, we once made
a GM tube (Geiger counter). We used everyday materials, and the device we made
allowed us to detect the invisible radiation raining down on us from above.
Children loved it, but it failed utterly to attract the interest of ordinary
adults. I showed it to a TV director, but he wouldn't use it in a program.
Things have to be simpler and clearer before the media will take an interest.
It's really difficult to develop ideas. I call for help, but I get no response.
I hope that we can provide some ideas.
I'm most worried about the development of themes. I need to access
the knowledge and achievements of a much wider range of people. Without that
input, my work will not continue to evolve. If people give me new ideas, I
can use my experience to present those ideas using my own techniques. I'm sure
we can inform the children about the wonders of science and technology from
a broader range of fields.
You gain strength by persevering. Though the Waku Waku Project is
hard work, I want to continue with it. There are 68 elementary schools in Hachioji
City. Even if I continue until I retire, I won't be able to visit all of those
schools. I'll be satisfied if my work provides inspiration for someone among
the many people that I encounter. But I'd like to offer you at least one idea.
That's my new ambition. Olympus is particularly interested in light, and we
have many experts in optical technology. If you need help with optical technology,
please feel free to call on us. I'd like to thank you for taking the time out
of your busy schedule to talk with me. I've learned a lot.
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