The Joy of Manufacturing: LEGO Block Workshops in Miyazaki City

In a bid to introduce the joys of craftsmanship to young minds, a LEGO block workshop was recently held in Miyazaki City, Japan. Organized by Miyazaki-based King, a company that specializes in the rental and repair of construction and civil engineering machinery, and Sumitomo Construction Machinery, the workshop welcomed around 40 elementary school students.

Learning from a LEGO Certified Professional

The students were taught by Junpei Mitsui, one of only 23 LEGO Certified Professionals in the world and the sole representative in Japan. Under his guidance, the participants used 100 LEGO bricks to construct their own hydraulic excavators.

Despite the challenge, the students were enthusiastic about the experience. "It was difficult, but I'm really happy I was able to make something," remarked one of the participating elementary school students. The workshop aimed to provide children with the opportunity to explore the satisfaction of hands-on creation and the appreciation for the art of manufacturing.

King, the company behind the event, is dedicated to promoting the joy of making things. By collaborating with Sumitomo Construction Machinery, they were able to offer this unique learning experience to the local community. The partnership allowed the children to not only assemble LEGO models but also gain insights into the machinery used in the construction and civil engineering industries.

Fostering Curiosity and Creativity

The LEGO block workshop in Miyazaki City is part of a broader effort to engage children with the wonders of manufacturing and design. By exposing them to the process of building and creating, the organizers hope to nurture their curiosity and creativity, laying the foundation for future generations of skilled craftspeople and innovators.

As one participant expressed, the challenges encountered during the workshop were ultimately rewarding, as they were able to transform a collection of plastic bricks into a functioning model. This experience not only taught the children practical skills but also instilled a sense of pride and accomplishment in their creations.

"It was difficult, but I'm really happy I was able to make something."

The LEGO block workshop in Miyazaki City is a testament to the power of hands-on learning and the importance of fostering an appreciation for the manufacturing process from a young age. By providing these opportunities, the organizers are laying the groundwork for a future where the joy of creating and building is celebrated and nurtured in the next generation.

A group of elementary school students working on their LEGO creations during the workshop in Miyazaki City.

The workshop's focus on the construction and civil engineering industries also highlights the practical applications of these skills. By exposing children to the machinery and processes used in these fields, the organizers are helping them to better understand the real-world impact of manufacturing and design.

As the students honed their LEGO-building skills, they not only gained a sense of accomplishment but also a deeper appreciation for the work that goes into creating the machines and structures that shape our built environment. This holistic approach to learning encourages the participants to consider the broader implications of their creations and the role they can play in shaping the future.

A close-up view of a student carefully assembling their LEGO hydraulic excavator model.
A student concentrates on assembling their LEGO hydraulic excavator model.

The LEGO block workshop in Miyazaki City is a shining example of how educational institutions and private organizations can collaborate to provide unique learning experiences for children. By tapping into the natural curiosity and creativity of young minds, these initiatives have the potential to inspire the next generation of makers, innovators, and problem-solvers.

Promoting Local Sustainability through Food Education

In a similar vein, another event in Kirishima City, Kagoshima, aimed to educate children about the importance of local, sustainable food production. Organized by a consortium of Kagoshima Prefecture and local agricultural groups, the event invited families to participate in hands-on activities and learn-to-cook workshops.

The day-long event began with the participants visiting a local farm, where they had the opportunity to sow soybean seeds and harvest various vegetables. Armed with their freshly gathered produce, the families then embarked on a pizza-making workshop, utilizing locally-sourced wheat flour and rice flour to craft their own personalized pies.

  • Sowing soybean seeds at a local farm
  • Harvesting a variety of fresh vegetables
  • Making pizza with locally-sourced ingredients

By engaging the children in the entire process, from seed to plate, the event aimed to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for the local food ecosystem. The hands-on activities allowed the participants to connect with the origins of their food and witness the effort that goes into its production.

"The event allowed the participants to connect with the origins of their food and witness the effort that goes into its production."

The pizza-making workshop served as a culmination of the day's activities, where the families could savor the fruits of their labor. The use of locally-sourced ingredients, such as wheat flour and rice flour, highlighted the wealth of resources available within the Kirishima region and the importance of promoting local, sustainable food systems.

A family working together to prepare their homemade pizza during the food education event in Kirishima City.

Events like the one in Kirishima City are crucial in instilling a sense of food literacy and environmental awareness in the next generation. By exposing children to the process of food production and the significance of supporting local agriculture, these initiatives aim to cultivate a generation of conscious consumers and future stewards of sustainable food systems.

The LEGO block workshop in Miyazaki City and the food education event in Kirishima City both demonstrate the power of hands-on learning and the importance of fostering an appreciation for manufacturing, design, and sustainable food production from a young age. Through these engaging and educational experiences, the organizers are laying the groundwork for a future where the joy of creating and the value of local, sustainable resources are deeply ingrained in the collective consciousness of the community.