On December 3rd, Hitachi High-Tech Kansai Branch held a "Micro Observation Event". With a desire to make science more accessible to children, this observation event has been held for many years by the Graduate School of Agriculture, Kobe University (Laboratory of Cell Function and Structure Studies) as part of their "Children's Dream Fund" grant activities. The Kansai Branch Analytical Systems Department has supported them in this endeavor by providing the opportunity for people to experience the microscopic world with a high-performance electron microscope.
The observation session started with children preparing samples for the sample plates that are placed in a tabletop electron microscope.
The children cheered as their samples are projected in high detail on the large screen. When they found a small insect hiding in one of the soil samples, the excitement amongst the children increased rapidly.
A total of 10 families participated in the event and were able to observe a variety of samples, including mandarin peel, soil, leaves, small fish, yogurt lid, rosemary, and sandpaper.
The Kansai Branch will continue to promote science education and social contribution activities.

Students prepare the samples by cutting them into small pieces

Student takes a picture of the electron microscope image

A girl observes the samples with interest