DELIVING INTO THE WORLD OF SCIENCE
The National Science And Technology Fair 2018, running until Sunday, has been a big hit
There are a few more days left for students and the public to have a hands-on experience with science and technology, and learn about the futuristic innovations at the National Science And Technology Fair 2018, the biggest event of the year in its field. Activities related to science and technologies have been organised through the showcases of more than 100 public and private organisations and institutions from Thailand and overseas.
Entering the main gate, the audience will meet the Royal Pavilion where they can learn about the royal family’s great contributions in the development of science and technology in Thailand.
This year also marks the 150th anniversary of the Waghor eclipse. King Rama IV, Thailand’s “Father of Science”, calculated the occurrence of a solar eclipse in Waghor, Prachuap Khiri Khan, two years in advance. The event is the origin of Thai science and the exhibition is to honour King Rama IV.
Various royal projects initiated by the late King Bhumibol have been on display for students, youth and public audiences to learn and experience.
The overall theme “Science, Technology And Innovation: Inspiring Creativity For Better Living And Sustainability For The Nation” seems to perfectly fit the fair.
Koy, a primary student from Nakhon Nayok province, said she was excited to participate in “Science In The Cave” which simulates Tham Luang cave where the 13 members of the Wild Boars football team were recently rescued from.
At “Science In The Cave”, people will gain knowledge and understanding of the science of cave (geographically and geologically), for instance, rescue technology and innovations, physical conditions (what happens to humans), and what is necessary for cave visits.
Sixth-grader Wannapas visits the event every year and this time she found that it is even more exciting, although some things were not so different from last year’s edition, such as the shooting gallery of the Ministry of Defence or the naval training simulator at the Royal Thai Navy.
What impressed her most is activities at the “Maker Space” where kids are allowed to create their objects and have them floated in a transparent tube.
“It’s called satellite launching,” said the girl. “We designed and created a satellite by using materials that they provide like a straw, a plastic cup lid, various forms of velvet pieces, popsicle stick, and launch them to float in the tube.”
Another boy said he spent most time at this space as he wanted to see his invention stay afloat. “I tried so many times, more than 10 times, to make it float, every time I changed materials of the objects, but many were not successful, still I liked it a lot,” said the boy.
Treevit, a Grade 7 student from Chon Buri province who visited the fair for the first time, said his favourite part was the military technology area where he experienced a tank, holding a rifle and controlling a navy ship with the navigation simulator.
Besides the Royal Pavilion, Science In The Cave and Maker Space, other zones include Waste: Global Challenges, an exhibition raises awareness of waste management and behaviour change, to feature the importance and understanding of waste as environmental problems. It also features effective and sustainable waste management in the form of 4D theatre.
The technology innovation exhibition displayed at “Disruptive You!”, where visitors and innovators are inspired by outstanding case studies such as the automation of knowledge work and the evolution of money, which has grown from bartering to proto-money, metal coins, paper money, plastic cards, internet banking and cryptocurrency.
At “Data Sphere”, the general public will learn about data collection, analysis and adaptation, and the importance of data literacy.
Various royal projects initiated by the late King Bhumibol have been on display
The National Science And Technology Fair 2018 runs until Sunday, from 9am to 7pm, at Impact Muang Thong Thani. Admission is free.