SPARKE Launches New Free Program in Collaboration with Epson Sales Co., Ltd. for Elementary and Junior High School Inquiry-Based Learning

Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Satoshi Matsui; hereinafter "ShoPro") has launched a new collaborative program with Epson Sales Co., Ltd.—a company known for proposing and selling a wide range of products including printers and projectors—as part of SPARKE (Spark), its inquiry-based learning library for elementary and junior high schools, developed jointly with COMPASS Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director: Jun Sato; hereinafter "COMPASS"). The new program, titled "Let’s Think of New Printing Ideas to Make 'Wouldn’t It Be Great If…' a Reality!", is developed in collaboration with Epson Sales and centers on the company’s inkjet printing technology. This partnership was formed as Epson Sales’ desire to support schools facing challenges in inquiry-based learning aligned with SPARKE’s expertise and philosophy in creating educational content through corporate collaboration. Through video-based lessons, students will learn about Epson Sales’ cutting-edge inkjet printing technologies, recognize the role of printing technologies in everyday life, and explore in depth the information technologies that support modern society. Using this knowledge, students will then develop their own innovative "new printing ideas" aimed at enriching life and society. Image of the educational materials from the program developed with Epson Sales Co., Ltd. In today’s educational environment, while the importance of "learning connected to society" is widely recognized, many teachers face challenges in independently establishing corporate partnerships or preparing new teaching materials. As a result, demand for corporate-collaborative educational content continues to grow. This service supports students’ active, interactive, and deep learning through inquiry-based learning materials—a method increasingly recognized as an innovative educational approach—while encouraging students to recognize their connection to society and take initiative in their learning. Collaboration Opportunities for Socially Open Learning Programs ◯ Inquiries and Requests: Accepted anytime ◯ Target Recipients: Elementary and junior high schools and teachers nationwide ◯ Applicable Grades: Grades 1–9 (elementary through junior high) ◯ Fees: Quoted based on implementation details. *Free for school adoption ◯ Contact for Collaboration: sparke_business@compass-e.com Enrollment for the Inquiry-Based Learning Program ◯ Period: Until February 28, 2027 (or until capacity is reached) ◯ Eligibility: Teachers at elementary and junior high schools nationwide ◯ Recommended Grades: Grades 3–9 ◯ Recommended Subjects/Areas: Integrated Studies, Technology, Information, etc. ◯ Fees: Free of charge ◯ Application: Please apply via the registration form on the program details page below. *Registration as a SPARKE (Spark) member is required to use the program. https://sparke.jp/contents/epson ◯ Contact: Inquiry-Based Learning Program Team info@compass-e.com ShoPro will continue to collaborate with COMPASS and other entities within the Shogakukan Group to provide schools and teachers with corporate-partnered inquiry-based learning materials that connect real-world experiences with academic subjects, helping children develop the ability to "create the future." ◆ About SPARKE: https://sparke.jp/ ◆ About Epson Sales Co., Ltd.: http://www.epson.co.jp ◆ About Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions Co., Ltd.: https://www.shopro.co.jp/ ◆ About COMPASS Co., Ltd.: https://qubena.com/