Summer Junior Science Workshop Held — Inspiring Children with the Wonders of Science and Shipbuilding

On August 1, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries（MHI） taught a “Summer Vacation Junior Science Class” at the Enoura Plant of MHI’s Shimonoseki Shipyard & Machinery Works in Yamaguchi Prefecture attended by 19 students in grades five through eight at schools in Yamaguchi Prefecture. Science classes of this kind have been held at schools in various locations throughout Yamaguchi annually for 37 years, aimed at deepening the local children's interest in science and technology. The event is organized in cooperation with universities, technical colleges, corporate research institutes, and other related organizations. MHI’s Shimonoseki Shipyard once again participated in science classes this year, offering a hands-on workshop themed “Let’s Build a Fast Ship.” Eight newly assigned employees served as instructors, guiding students through the construction of steam powered PON-PON ships.

During the event, instructors explained the shipbuilding process, after which the children crafted their own PON-PON ships. With advice from the instructors, they experimented with different designs to improve speed and direction, ultimately completing ships with their own unique touches. The workshop concluded with a race in which each student launched their ship onto the water, generating great excitement.Following the workshop, participants toured the actual shipbuilding facilities and visited the shipyard’s historical archive, gaining firsthand insight into the scale and craftsmanship of ship manufacturing—an experience rarely accessible to the public.

MHI Group remains committed to contributing to local communities and supporting the development of future generations by sharing the joy of science through hands-on manufacturing experiences.

Instructor explains how to make a PON-PON ship