TOKYO, Japan, April 6, 2005– Honda Motor Co., Ltd. will make a contribution to science programs to be offered to students in grades 1-9 beginning this school year by the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation, by helping develop and implement programs utilizing Honda’s humanoid robot ASIMO.
The Museum has been commissioned to promote science and technology by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), and the new programs -- named “The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation ASIMO Science Class” -- will be implemented to promote interest in science among students in grades 1-9. The content of the programs(*1) was developed based on MEXT’S Course of Study and by teachers with the Kyoto Municipal Science Center For Youth and the Izumo Science Center located in Izumo city in Shimane prefecture, which have previous experience in developing programs for the Museum.
Honda supported the purpose of this initiative and is working with the Museum by offering ASIMO for the programs, including suggestions to make the curriculum more effective and training teachers in ASIMO’s operation. This is the first time ASIMO has been used as an instructional component of a science program.
Honda is committed to social activity with a philosophy to “foster a spirited and dynamic people and society for the next generation.” Toward this goal, Honda implements various social activities which are designed to communicate to young people the importance and joy of having dreams, taking on new challenges, and creating things. Among these activities, Honda has been promoting utilization of ASIMO in programs designed for young students(*2). Through these activities, Honda will continue contributing to the effort to communicate how science and technology can help make people’s dreams come true and to raise interest in and deepen the understanding of science among children.
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Content and Schedule of “The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation ASIMO Science Class”
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“Center of Gravity and Balancing – until a robot walked –” |
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Venue: |
The Kyoto Municipal Science Center for Youth |
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Schedule: |
One year beginning April 19, 2005 |
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Target: |
Grade 7 students in Kyoto City |
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Content: |
Observe bipedal walking from a physical perspective to understand the correlation between the center of gravity and balancing. |
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“The Day a Robot Walked” |
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Venue: |
The Kyoto Municipal Science Center for Youth |
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Schedule: |
One year beginning April 27, 2005 |
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Target: |
Grade 6 students in Kyoto City |
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Content: |
Learn the challenges a robot faces to achieve bipedal walking in order to understand balancing. |
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“Advancement of Science & Technology and Human Life – The World of Science & Technology and Robots –” |
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Venue: |
The Izumo Science Center |
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Schedule: |
Two weeks beginning November 9, 2005 |
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Target: |
Grade 9 students in Izumo City |
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Content: |
Think about the functions required for a robot that will be useful in human life in order to understand the roles of sensors and other technologies. |
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| (*2) |
Honda’s previous ASIMO programs for young students
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“Educational Tour” visiting science museums:
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Jan. 2003 – Mar. 2004 |
North America |
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“ASIMO Drawing and Painting Competition”:
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Oct. 2003 – Nov. 2005 |
Thailand |
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“Science School with Robot” with 74 elementary schools in Fukuoka city:
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Apr. 2004 – Oct. 2004 |
Fukuoka, Japan |
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“Technology Circuit”:
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Sep. 2004 –Mar. 2005 |
North America |
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“Children’s Idea Contest” with 4 elementary schools in Japan: |
Feb. 2005 – Mar. 2005 |
Japan |
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<Reference>
The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation belongs to the organization of the Japan Science and Technology Agency, an independent administrative agency, which implements the Science and Technology Basic Plan set by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT). The Museum plays a core role in the promotion of science and technology in Japan. The Executive Director of the Museum is a former astronaut, Mr. Minoru Mohri.
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