Japan Geoscience Union Meeting 2025

Presentation information

[J] Oral

G (General ) » General

[G-01] Outreach of Geoscience: Practice and Theory

Sun. May 25, 2025 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM 301A (International Conference Hall, Makuhari Messe)

convener:Harufumi Tamazawa(Institute of Industrial Science, the University of Tokyo), Junya Terazono(Moon and Planets LLC), Ken Tsukada(Hiratsuka City Museum), Chairperson:Harufumi Tamazawa(Institute of Industrial Science, the University of Tokyo), Junya Terazono(Moon and Planets LLC)

9:30 AM - 9:45 AM

[G01-03] Connecting Society with Ocean Science Drilling: Outreach from the IODP Expedition 405

*Lena Murata1, Natsumi Nakano1, Tadashi Yoshizawa1, Ayumi Yoshimatsu1, Kae Takahashi1, Marianne Conin2, Patrick Fulton3, Jamie Kirkpatrick4, Shuichi Kodaira1, Christine Regalla5, Kohtaro Ujiie6, Nobuhisa Eguchi1, Lena Maeda1, Natsumi Okutsu1, Sean Toczko1, the Expedition 405 Science Party and Outreach Officers (1.Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology, 2.University of Lorraine, 3.Cornell University USA, 4.University of Nevada, Reno, 5.Northern Arizona University, 6.University of Tsukuba)

Keywords:IODP EXp.405, JTRACK, the D/V Chikyu, Ocean Science Drilling, Outreach, Science Communication

IODP Expedition 405, JTRACK (Tracking Tsunamigenic Slip Across the Japan Trench) was conducted from September 6 to December 20 in 2024, abroad the D/V Chikyu. The cruse was the first full-scale live-streaming of the D/V Chikyu using high-speed satellite communications. The live-streaming helped communicate the scientific cruise and ocean drilling efforts to audiences with limited access to such information. It also served as an interactive tool for people of various backgrounds and ages.
Linking the event to land-based exhibits or lectures, such as events at science museums and school classes, generated many questions from participants. In the questionnaires from event participants and interviews with stakeholders, feedback was obtained that showed an interest and understanding of the expedition.
In addition, the outreach officers were called from Japan, the U.S., Europe, and Australia, were involved to reach diverse audiences using various communication methods. Nine officers actively participated in outreach, utilizing their unique strengths.
This presentation will highlight examples of outreach activities about JTRACK and their outcomes, and consider the challenges of conducting outreach during this expedition.

Overview of Outreach Activities
-Live Streaming: A series of five live streaming programs were broadcast on two platforms, YouTube and Niconico. Public viewings were held a total of 34 times at 14 science museums and other facilities across Japan. Additionally, onboard scientists conducted more than 15 live streaming sessions for educational classes directly from the ship.
-Ocean STEAM Education: Using ocean STEAM educational materials developed by JAMSTEC, a teacher at Fukiage Elementary School in Hachinohe City, Aomori, conducted practical classes. This was Japan’s first interactive Ocean STEAM class, featuring a live connection to the research vessel.
-Exhibitions and Live Webcast Events at Science Museums: Science museums were invited to participate through the Japan Science Museum Association, leading to live webcast events at 13 facilities. Additionally, five live broadcasts were conducted at academic conference. A pop-up exhibition and related talk events about JTRACK were also held in collaboration with science museums.
-Activities of Outreach Officers: Outreach officers were called in Japan, the U.S., Europe, and Australia to disseminate a variety of messages related to ocean science drilling and this expedition. Nine experts from various backgrounds--including videographers, photographers, illustrators, and science communicators and so on --joined the expedition aboard the D/V Chikyu and provided outreach through their unique perspectives and methods. They collaborate on outreach activities, such as online classes from the ship, real-time dissemination of interview videos and comics for the public through SNS, and creation of educational materials on the theme of ocean science drilling. After the expedition, their outreach is ongoing.