Nine high school students from within Hokkaido spent approximately eight months visiting various research laboratories at Hokkaido University, and presented the results of their research in a public forum.
On August 4th, the open space on the first floor of Kinokuniya Bookstore near Sapporo Station was filled with not only students, their parents, and Hokkaido University staff, but also high school students, high school teachers, and members of the general public.
In the glass-walled venue, passersby could be seen peeking in with interest, and the high school students looked nervous as they prepared to give their presentations, which was quite striking.
The presentations began with 10-minute oral presentations. These presentations included discussions about the difficulties and enjoyable aspects of their research, such as how weather conditions made it difficult to obtain results depending on the topic, and how they conducted observations and rearing at home.
Content of announcement
Presentation 1: Research on the sex-changing plant Arisaema serratum (Ritsumeikan Keisho High School)
The research primarily involved field surveys in windbreak forests in Eniwa City, focusing on Arisaema serratum, a plant that undergoes sex change (a phenomenon in which the same individual changes from male to female and vice versa) from year to year. Genetic analysis revealed that the reproduction of Arisaema serratum requires the transfer of pollen from male to female individuals, and that sex change occurs depending on the size of the individual plant.
Presentation 2: Planning a research project using Daphnia that I would like to realize after entering university (Sapporo Keisei High School)
I studied the reproductive ecology of Daphnia and then observed their morphology using an electron microscope. I was also intrigued when I brought home Daphnia that initially lacked resting eggs and reared them, and some individuals subsequently developed resting eggs. I then formulated a research plan to investigate what rearing conditions are most conducive to Daphnia producing resting eggs.
Presentation 3: How fish eyes form (Hakodate Municipal High School)
After joining the research lab, I observed the early development of various fish, including pufferfish, sturgeon, and medaka. I also dissected brook trout and became interested in the structure of their eyes and the crossing of the optic nerve. Therefore, I conducted a detailed histological study of how eyes develop during early development.
Presentation 4: An attempt at astronomical observation using a self-made telescope (Kushiro National College of Technology)
My research began with a love of stargazing. Through the process of building my own telescope, I learned the fundamentals of optical systems, astronomical observation techniques, and methods for analyzing observation results. Creating the reflecting mirror, the most crucial part of telescope construction, involved the painstaking task of polishing a single 10cm diameter glass plate, which made me truly appreciate the challenges of research.
Presentation 5: How does the regeneration rate of fish change depending on the environment? (Hakodate Chubu High School)
Intrigued by the fact that fish scales "regenerate," I physiologically investigated how goldfish scale regeneration changes with the temperature of the rearing water. I revealed that the regeneration rate is faster at higher temperatures.
Presentation 6: Planning a research project using Daphnia that I would like to realize after entering university (Hakodate Chubu High School)
First, we investigated Daphnia from various angles. We performed dissections, morphological observations using electron microscopy, and histological observations for more detailed examination. We also used molecular biological techniques to examine the genes expressed within the Daphnia's body. Through this research, we planned a study to investigate the function of the digestive tracts of adult and juvenile Daphnia.
Presentation 7: An attempt at astronomical observation using a homemade telescope (Asahikawa Nishi High School)
My research began because I love astronomy. My goal was to build my own telescope and observe Jupiter's moons to calculate their mass. I spent a long time grinding a 10cm diameter piece of glass to create a mirror surface, and finally, I applied a mirror coating to smooth the surface. During the mirror test, I was able to reflect distant objects, and I felt a great sense of awe when I saw them. Astronomical observations are affected by the weather, and things didn't always go as planned, which made me acutely aware of the difficulties of research.
Presentation 8: Documenting the regeneration of living organisms through film (Ritsumeikan Keisho High School)
Intrigued by the regeneration of living organisms, I conducted research on planarians, which regenerate even after being cut. I separated fragmented planarians into anterior, middle, and posterior sections and investigated the characteristics and speed of their movement after cutting.
Presentation 9: Population structure and reproductive patterns of Veratrum album, which exhibits variations in flowering and fruiting (Sapporo Moiwa High School and Sapporo Moiwa Junior High School)
We studied Veratrum album, a species that reproduces through both seeds and vegetatively, in the primeval forest of Hokkaido University. We examined the genotypes of individuals growing randomly and in circular patterns, and considered the population structure of Veratrum album.
Next came the poster presentations. The poster presentations saw more lively discussions than expected, with people lining up to ask questions, and presenters enthusiastically explaining their research not only through posters but also through videos on their computers.
After all programs were completed, all participants received a certificate of completion, and one participant was awarded the "Presentation Award" as chosen by the participants.
