Abu Dhabi Science Festival opens
10-DAY EVENT OFFERS STUDENTS A HOST OF ACTIVITIES AND FIRST-HAND EXPERIENCE OF SCIENTIFIC PRINCIPLES AT WORK
The region’s largest science festival of its kind for children began in the capital yesterday.
The Abu Dhabi Science Festival, now in its seventh edition, brings the world of science within easy grasp of young minds with its array of fun activities that offer them first-hand experience of scientific principles at work. With exhibitions, workshops, shows and signature events, the event is becoming increasingly popular.
Inaugurated by Shaikh Nahyan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Sports Festival, the 10-day festival is organised by the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (Adek) under the patronage of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.
This year’s edition promotes the spirit of innovation among students in areas such as mathematics, engineering and technology.
Interactive sessions
Speaking to Gulf News, Shahed Mojahed, a volunteer interacting with students about ‘Animal Agents’, said, “[The world] is facing many problems with the environment and animal habitat. Many animals are on the verge of extinction. In these interactive sessions, we teach children the importance of protecting animals and their environment to create a healthy ecosystem for all.”
For students attending these sessions, the excitement and learning was palpable. Maya Abu Taher, 9, from Jordan, said, “I interacted with a tiger and a turtle. I touched them and learnt that we should care for them.”
Students speak
At another session on ‘Healthy Heart’, an instructor gave students lessons on the function of the heart. “We gave students an opportunity to examine the functions of the heart and how they can keep it healthy through a balanced diet, particularly by eating fruits and vegetables, and doing regular exercise,” he said.
Sara Sultan, 7, from Al Rahba School, was excited to learn about the heart’s functions.
“I learnt how to keep my heart healthy and about the importance of good food and exercise,” she said.
At the Arabian Aroma stall, Rawan Mazen, instructor, said, “We are teaching students the different kinds of fragrances and essences and how they can differentiate between natural and synthetic scents.
“Students are also taught to blend scents for themselves,” Mazen said.
Hamda Ali Al Hameli, 8, Emirati, from Al Aafaq School, Abu Dhabi, experimented with enthusiasm.
“I am mixing two different scents and a perfume oil to create a scent for myself,” Al Hameli said.