On January 29th, a special class for middle school students (held by the Ichinoseki city government) was held at Higashiyama Middle School in Higashiyama, Ichinoseki, where students deepened their understanding of the ILC project. The lecturer was a researcher from Japan’s High Energy Accelerator Association (KEK) which is deeply involved with the ILC.

The class was attended by 42 first-year students. Researcher Masakazu Kurata of KEK used CG movies to talk about elementary particles, how the universe was formed, and the basics behind the linear collider to be used at the ILC. He used dry ice and alcohol to demonstrate the paths of particles, so the students were able to see particle physics up-close-and-personal.

Mr. Kurata said, “The ILC will help us to learn about the history of the universe, as well as lead to nesdw technology in medicine and communications. I hope all of you have a chance to get involved with ILC research in the future.”

One student in the class, Kento Onodera, said, “I really didn’t know anything about the ILC, but my interest has peaked after taking this class. If the ILC is realized, then I think it will also develop the local area.”