Fall Project Week at UWC ISAK Japan is a time of excitement, challenge, and growth for our students. It’s especially significant as it marks the first project week for our Grade 10’s, our 2-year Grade 11 students and the final one for our Grade 12s, making it a unique moment of both exploration and culmination. As part of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IBDP), this week is centered around Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS) projects, which encourage students to engage in meaningful, hands-on learning experiences that leave a positive impact on both themselves and the world around them.
For our Grade 10 students, this week serves as an introduction to the fundamentals of project management and execution. They also had the invaluable opportunity to meet with successful entrepreneurs and investors, who visited campus to conduct lectures on entrepreneurship and innovation. These professionals provided personalized one-on-one consulting sessions with students interested in the entrepreneurship track, offering insights that helped them refine their ideas and goals.
Meanwhile, our Grade 11 and 12 students embarked on a variety of projects, each with its own mission and goals, reflecting the diversity and creativity of our student body. Here’s a closer look at some of the standout projects from this year’s Fall Project Week.
Eco-Essence Soap
Mission:
Eco-Essence Soap is focused on creating sustainable, eco-friendly soap products using recycled cooking oil. The goal of the project is to promote sustainability by reducing waste and offering handmade, natural alternatives to commercial cleaning products for the ISAK community.
Fall Project Week Goal:
The goal for Fall Project Week was to learn from professionals how to make eco-friendly soap, design personalized ISAK soap stamps, and organize soap-making workshops on campus to engage the community in sustainability practices.
Measurable Outcomes:
- Completion of a soap-making workshop in Tokyo with a professional soap maker.
- Creation of unique ISAK soap stamps to brand their handmade products.
- Organization of soap-making sessions to promote sustainability on campus.
Project Week Plan:
The Eco-Essence Soap team began their week with a trip to Tokyo, where they took part in a masterclass with a professional soap maker. Over two days, they learned the art of soap-making using recycled materials, and by mid-week, they had returned to ISAK to apply what they learned. They held a workshop for students and faculty, teaching others how to make eco-friendly soap using recycled cooking oil, and discussed ideas for distributing their products as welcome gifts for new students and farewell presents for graduates.
Project Red
Mission:
Project Red aims to raise awareness of medical and health issues by organizing events such as blood donation drives and first aid training workshops. The project is not only about education but also about actively engaging both the UWC ISAK Japan community and the local Karuizawa community in efforts that can save lives.
Fall Project Week Goal:
The team’s primary goal for this week was to prepare for a blood drive event to be held in November. This event will be open to both ISAK students and the local Karuizawa community, creating a bridge between the school and its surrounding area.
Measurable Outcomes:
- Successful communication with the Red Cross to ensure their participation in the event.
- Confirmation of the venue’s suitability for the blood drive.
- Collection of interest from students, with necessary eligibility checks and parent approval.
Project Week Plan:
Throughout the week, the Project Red team focused on logistical preparations. They coordinated with the Red Cross, invited representatives to visit the campus to assess the facilities, and collected a list of interested students. They also held discussions with other clubs, such as the Feminism Club and Rainbow Alliance, to organize fundraising and awareness booths to accompany the event.
Nagano Harvest Project
Mission:
The Nagano Harvest Project is designed to help students appreciate the process of food production and foster a sense of community through agricultural work. This project allows participants to learn from local residents while contributing to the preparation of the Ozuchi community for winter.
Fall Project Week Goal:
The primary goal was to engage in agricultural volunteering in the Ozuchi community, helping with winter preparations while learning about traditional Japanese agricultural practices. The team also aimed to bond through teamwork and cultural exchange.
Measurable Outcomes:
- Successful participation in agricultural work to prepare the community for winter.
- Stronger connections between UWC ISAK students and local residents.
- Reflection on the experience and the new skills gained in sustainable agriculture.
Project Week Plan:
Throughout the week, the team worked alongside local residents in Ozuchi, Ishikawa, under the guidance of NICE, a work camp organization. Their tasks included chopping wood and preparing the land for the colder months. The project not only focused on physical labor but also on learning traditional methods of agriculture and fostering connections with the community. The experience provided valuable insights into sustainable living and the importance of community collaboration.
Nanoverse
Mission:
Nanoverse is a groundbreaking project focused on researching modern cancer treatments and exploring the potential of nanorobotics in oncology. The team is investigating how nanotechnology can revolutionize cancer treatment by developing a model prototype for a nanorobot designed to target cancer cells and collect data.
Fall Project Week Goal:
The goal was to conduct in-depth research into current cancer treatments, arrange interviews with international experts, and begin developing a conceptual design for the nanorobot.
Measurable Outcomes:
- Completion of interviews with medical and engineering professionals for expert insights.
- Initial blueprint and design for the nanorobot, detailing its dual functions of targeting cancer cells and gathering data.
- Establishing collaborations or connections with institutions for ongoing guidance.
Project Week Plan:
The team’s week was filled with research sessions on oncology, analysis of literature on nanotechnology, and brainstorming sessions on the robot’s design. By mid-week, they had arranged international calls with experts and had begun working on early-stage sketches of the nanorobot. They also focused on refining the database system that would be used to analyze the data collected by the robot. The week culminated with the presentation of their findings and next steps.
ISAK Koya
Mission:
The ISAK Koya project is dedicated to building a traditional Japanese thatched-roof structure on campus, combining cultural appreciation with sustainable building practices. This project aims to connect students with Japanese craftsmanship while creating a serene space for reflection and cultural activities.
Fall Project Week Goal:
The team’s goal for the week was to visit local examples of traditional Japanese architecture and start learning how to work with traditional Japanese tools. They also aimed to create the initial design and plan for the Koya structure.
Measurable Outcomes:
- Visits to local Kayabuki houses and the Kigumi museum to study traditional Japanese building techniques.
- Hands-on experience using traditional tools such as saws and chisels.
- Creation of a detailed design and footprint for the Koya structure, incorporating traditional joinery techniques.
Project Week Plan:
The ISAK Koya team started the week by visiting Kayabuki houses in Nagano and the Kigumi museum in Tokyo, where they gained a deeper understanding of traditional Japanese architecture. Mid-week, they began hands-on practice with traditional woodworking tools, learning how to make precise cuts and joinery. By the end of the week, the team had drafted a detailed design and layout for the Koya, taking their first steps toward creating this special space on campus.
EduForHope
Mission:
EduForHope seeks to support students in underprivileged areas by providing access to education. The project focuses on conducting online teaching sessions with schools in Thailand and Myanmar, offering guidance for students applying to UWC schools, and organizing a book drive to support education in these regions.
Fall Project Week Goal:
The goal for the week was to successfully launch online classes for schools in Thailand and Myanmar and create a sustainable model that could continue throughout the school year. Additionally, they aimed to plan a book drive for future projects.
Measurable Outcomes:
- The first successful online class held with schools in Thailand and Myanmar.
- Development of a concrete plan for a book drive to support education in underprivileged areas.
- Guidance provided to students applying to UWC schools, with support offered for applications.
Project Week Plan:
The EduForHope team started the week by coordinating with school leaders in Thailand and Myanmar to organize online classes. They held their first session on October 5th, and throughout the week, the team reflected on how to improve the classes and their impact. They also worked on gathering resources for a book drive, which will take place later in the year, and provided support for students interested in applying to UWC programs.
Asama Underground Cine Fest
Mission:
The Asama Underground Cine Fest is a celebration of young, international filmmakers, with the mission to support emerging artists and inject fresh creativity into the Japanese film industry. The festival provides a platform for filmmakers to showcase their work and connect with industry professionals.
Fall Project Week Goal:
The goal was to organize and host a film festival on October 11th, gathering and reviewing film submissions, and creating an opportunity for young filmmakers to shine.
Measurable Outcomes:
- Successful gathering and review of film submissions from international young filmmakers.
- Hosting of the Asama Underground Cine Fest on October 11th.
- Positive feedback and connections made between filmmakers and industry professionals.
Project Week Plan:
The team spent the week finalizing film submissions and preparing the logistics for the festival. They reached out to local and international filmmakers, coordinated the event schedule, and set up the venue. On Friday, October 11th, the festival took place, marking the culmination of their hard work and passion for the arts.
Looking Ahead
Fall Project Week 2024 was not only a time for hands-on learning and exploration but also a celebration of the students’ creativity, ambition, and dedication to making a difference. As the Grade 12s prepare to finish their final year and the Grade 11s embark on new challenges, the lessons learned and connections made during this week will continue to shape their journeys, both here at UWC ISAK Japan and beyond.
Stay tuned for more updates as our students continue their CAS projects and work towards their goals. We’re incredibly proud of their achievements and excited to see what they’ll accomplish next!
