Abu Dhabi Science Festival promises to fire the imagination of children across the emirate
Since its inception in 2011, the Abu Dhabi Science Festival (ADSF) has been a real success, presenting interactive exhibitions, shows and workshops to the public across the capital, Al Ain city, and the Western and northern regions of the UAE.
Organised by the Abu Dhabi Technology Development Committee (TDC), the festival delivers hands-on activities that combine science with entertainment. The festival’s activities are aimed at children from five to fifteen-years-old to boost their passion for science and discovery.
The goal: to inspire a future generation of scientists.
This year, ADSF is back with a bang (and a splash, and a bubble, and a whizz or two) from 13th to 22nd November. Festival activities will take place at the East Plaza of Abu Dhabi Corniche, in Al Ain Zoo and even on the Al Majaz waterfront park in Sharjah – the first festival venue outside Abu Dhabi emirate.
From fossils to flames
This year’s programme covers a variety of scientific subjects ranging from the human body and the natural world to creative technology and space exploration, all made possible through a wide range of exciting events across three distinct venues.
ADSF 2014 offers young visitors the chance to experiment and interact with the return of popular activities such as the Dig-up-a-Dinosaur, Surgery and Crime Scene Investigation workshops.
New this year are hands-on experiments and activities in the areas of health, clean technology, astronomy and mathematics.
The Corniche will come alive with a fascinating collection of events and activities. Build a ‘drawbot’ at the Scribbling Machines exhibit, or make your own lava lamp at the Kitchen Science: Salt Volcano station. Ignite your imagination at Magic Andy’s Fire Show, where the audience will be dazzled by dust explosions and creative combustion.
Meanwhile, discover how light works at The Glow Show – see how different metals glow when exposed to heat, observe what a UV light does to an object, watch invisible light appear with refraction.
Over in the Garden City, Al Ain Zoo will host a number of engaging activities. Recreate the Al Wathba Wetland Reserve with the Planet in a Bottle workshop, where you can watch ecosystems come to life while learning about brine shrimp, food chains and biospheres. Join the zany Professor Zanzoun at his fast-paced Super Science Show to watch chemistry, physics and biology come to life. For something seriously cool, don’t miss the Colder than Ice! Show where Dr Graham will experiment with liquid nitrogen to shrink balloons, create giant fog clouds and freeze flowers.
The festival’s newest location, Al Majaz in Sharjah, will be sizzling with mini scientists who can explore the effects of chemistry on our sense of smell at the Arabian Aromas workshop. Children who like to work with their hands will love the Hydrogen Fuel Cell Car Competition – build and race a hydrogen-powered car – or the Gadget Factory, where they can solder their own electronic gismos.
The festival is held under the patronage of HH General Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.
Science Communicators
This year ADSF will welcome students as part of the Organized School Tour programme in cooperation with the Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC), the festival’s education partner.
More than a thousand students from 13 local universities will also be recruited and trained by experts from the world-class Edinburgh International Science Festival (EISF), TDC’s content partner, to deliver this celebration of science in ways that excite and engage the next generation of scientists.
These Science Communicators play a key role in the success of the festival, as they inspire a generation of budding braniacs, assist in the running of workshops and explain stunning interactive exhibits. The students themselves will benefit as they learn communication skills that will be vital to their future careers.
Students eager to become Science Communicators can apply through their university. Candidates must possess professionalism and good communication skills. They should have a desire to teach and be ready to help make the festival a memorable experience for everyone involved.
Your home, your laboratory
Long after the excitement of ADSF is over, you can continue the fun at home thanks to the festival’s Science For You programme. The ADSF website has a collection of downloadable science experiments for you to try at home. For more information visit: www.abudhabisciencefestival.ae/science-for-you
Rachael Peacock
