Family
Creative
Learning

Learning in a VUCA World :
providing a family-engaged creative learning program,
emphasizing "trial and error" and "creative deviation,"
to unlock children’s potential.

NEWS

ABOUT

Scratch Home Project : This project is a STEAM learning project that utilizes programming content with IoT home appliances to teach Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics. Our curriculum revolves around the theme of everyday life, creating learning opportunities within the context of daily activities to draw out the interests and abilities of children.

  • Vision

    Empower Your Child's Journey: Fostering Individuality and Authentic Living.

    Fostering individuality and creative divergence, we contribute to a society where each person lives freely and abundantly.

  • Mission

    Family Creative Learning

    Explore everyday life with our family-engaged program, focusing on trial and error, and creative deviation to unlock children's potential.

Combining the initials of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics.
It represents an educational philosophy that integrates creative education into SEM fields,
aiming for interdisciplinary learning to foster curiosity and creativity.

Concept / Approach

STEAM in Daily Life

Pursuing the synergy of learning and lifestyle enhancement through IoT home device programming

  • CREATIVE DIVERGENCE

    Discovering a child's true interests through trial and error, embracing creative divergence.

  • Family Creative Learning

    Cultivate your child's creativity as a 'Inventive Family'
    —a journey of learning, exploring, and innovating together!

  • Programming Appliances

    Invent the future, not just for learning.

Message

Transform the Home into Creative Playground.

Foster creativity at home. In the IoT era, smart appliances aren't just convenient but tools for nurturing creativity. I was a visiting researcher in the Lifelong Kindergarten group (LLK) at the MIT Media Lab from 2016 to 2019. During this time, I started “Scratch Home Project” focused on creative learning in everyday life.
I have been proposing a new programming playground that combines the Scratch based programming by LLK, along with IoT appliances prototyped by Panasonic.
For example, children use programming for an IoT toaster oven to experiment and create better cooking. Similarly, they use IoT lighting to create a more comfortable space.
By exploring their interests in everyday life, children can engage in a creative learning process and acquire various STEAM knowledge. Nurturing creativity within daily life, we aim to contribute to a society where everyone respects individuality and creativity, fostering a free and enriching environment for all."

Profile

Kazutoyo Takata, Ph.D.

Joined Panasonic Corporation's Advanced Technology Research Laboratory in 2002.
Currently, Chief Researcher at Panasonic Holdings Corporation, Technology Headquarters.
Visiting Researcher at MIT Media Lab / Lifelong Kindergarten Group from 2016 to 2019.
Engaged in researching modeling human cognition, estimating cognitive states,
and fostering creativity in artificial intelligence.

SERVICE

Expand beyond gaming and robotics in STEAM learning.
Create a broader 'playground' for child-centric learning excitement.
Explore cooking and space design in daily life
—a new 'playground' for children to learn with joy.
Introducing programming services using IoT toasters and lighting
—a hands-on learning experience for curious minds.

Approach

  • ▶Research at MIT Media Lab
    IoT Appliances + Programming

    Launched in 2018 at MIT Media Lab, Discuss with Professor Mitchel Resnick on LLK.

  • ▶STEAM in Daily Life
    Oven Toaster + Programming

    Infuse STEAM learning into daily life—cooking and ambient lighting, connecting programming learning to chemistry, biology, and art.

Feature

  • Creative Divergence

    Spark children's interest through proactive learning that allows divergence.

  • Resolution of Daily Life

    Emphasizing a mindset of generating new ideas from everyday experiences through various creative activities within life.

  • Learning in Chemistry/Biology/Art

    Explore sensory experimentation through cooking and spatial design, expanding STEAM knowledge beyond math and physics to chemistry, biology, and art.

Introduction

  • HARDWARE
    Programmable Oven Toaster

    Developed an IoT oven toaster controlled by Scratch based programming software, accompanied by an learning curriculum. Utilizing WiFi/Bluetooth communication, control oven temperature, far-infrared, and near-infrared heaters. For example, program precise heat changes for flavor-driven experimentation.

  • HARDWARE
    Programmable Lighting “ILLUMME”

    Developed a learning curriculum using Scratch-based programming to control ILLUMME LED lighting. Distinct curriculum blending interactive appreciation and programming. For Example, explore abstract lighting space, connecting expression with senses after interactive observation by Visual Thinking Strategies. Pursue collaborative learning, acknowledging individuality and emotions. Connect trial and error, light knowledge, and personal sensibilities with programming. Explore the fascinating curriculum of LED lighting—a realm where colors and brightness create a new cultural experience.

  • SERVICE
    Scratch Home Workshop

    For children, we offer STEAM workshops. Utilize IoT devices like the Programmable Oven Toaster and ILLUMME for unique learning experiences. We also provide on-site sessions for educational institutions.

    To Parents
    Introduction to the Program
    For children navigating a rapidly changing society, fostering resilience is crucial.

    In an era of uncertainty, cultivating individual agency empowers kids to discover and live authentically. We turn everyday life into a learning journey, offering programs to enhance children's agency. Agency involves processes of 'imagination,' 'creation,' 'play,' 'sharing,' and 'reflection.' Embrace elements of modern learning, such as remixing and feedback, in this process. Through life-related activities, foster children's proactive learning beyond programming skills.

CASE Case Studies

Explore examples from our Scratch Home Project, showcasing educational success stories for parents and learners alike.

  • CASE1
  • Family Workshop

RISUPIA STEAM Workshop

Conducting the first-ever family workshop using the Programmable Toaster. For parents, programming can seem daunting, but our workshop, focusing on 'cooking,' taps into adult experiences. Using programming, families learn the creative process while aiming for the perfect cookie and sharing feedback.

Conducting the first-ever family workshop using the Programmable Toaster. For parents, programming can seem daunting, but our workshop, focusing on 'cooking,' taps into adult experiences. Using programming, families learn the creative process while aiming for the perfect cookie and sharing feedback.

Related Article
  • CASE2
  • MIT Media Lab×Panasonic

MIT Media Lab Summer Camp 2021 @Akerue

Introducing a new curriculum on creating art spaces with light programming using our IoT lighting, alongside the IoT toaster appliance workshop. Engage in interactive appreciation, connecting expression with your senses, emotions, and physicality. Create light artworks themed around 'vitality' using programming. Explore IoT and future living through making ideal cookies with the Programmable Toaster and creating artworks with smart lighting. IoT devices, beyond convenience, serve as tools to nurture creativity. Introduce the philosophy of constructionism and creative learning at MIT Media Lab, emphasizing their significance in future education.

Introducing a new curriculum on creating art spaces with light programming using our IoT lighting, alongside the IoT toaster appliance workshop. Engage in interactive appreciation, connecting expression with your senses, emotions, and physicality. Create light artworks themed around 'vitality' using programming. Explore IoT and future living through making ideal cookies with the Programmable Toaster and creating artworks with smart lighting. IoT devices, beyond convenience, serve as tools to nurture creativity. Introduce the philosophy of constructionism and creative learning at MIT Media Lab, emphasizing their significance in future education.

Related Article
  • CASE3
  • Outreach to the School

Niigata City Mitsuharu Junior High School work open class

Pilot lesson in an educational setting using the Programmable Toaster in Niigata City Kosei Junior High School. Conducted for 3rd-year students under the inquiry class framework. Students explore chemistry, biology, and cooking processes through programming, striving for their self-designed 'ideal cookies' baked in the Programmable Toaster. Learn through experimentation and coding.

Pilot lesson in an educational setting using the Programmable Toaster in Niigata City Kosei Junior High School. Conducted for 3rd-year students under the inquiry class framework. Students explore chemistry, biology, and cooking processes through programming, striving for their self-designed 'ideal cookies' baked in the Programmable Toaster. Learn through experimentation and coding.

Related Article
  • CASE4
  • Outreach for after school activities

Doshisha Elementary School Outreach Program

Conducting off-site lessons for Doshisha Elementary School's afterschool programming club, engaging 5th and 6th graders in creating plastic board art using the Programmable Toaster. Using the Programmable Toaster, students experiment with temperature and time to create plastic boards, exploring properties, experimental methods, and collective knowledge.

Conducting off-site lessons for Doshisha Elementary School's afterschool programming club, engaging 5th and 6th graders in creating plastic board art using the Programmable Toaster. Using the Programmable Toaster, students experiment with temperature and time to create plastic boards, exploring properties, experimental methods, and collective knowledge.

Related Article

Q&A Frequently Asked Questions

  • Where can I attend the workshop？
    Workshops are scheduled at locations including Panasonic Center Tokyo, and may vary based on the timing. Please check the NEWS section on this website for detailed information.
  • Where can I apply?
    Please check the application link in the NEWS section of this website.
  • Can beginners join even if they have no programming experience？
    Yes, individuals with no programming experience are welcome to participate. Instructors will provide guidance, so please feel free to join with confidence.
Q&A List

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