DM announces children’s science congress

DUBAI – The science congress, a first of its kind initiative in the UAE, is calling youngsters to participate in a series of learning initiatives aimed at building a scientific awareness.

Published: Wed 28 Dec 2011, 12:06 AM

Last updated: Mon 6 Apr 2015, 7:03 PM

Hamdan Khalifa Al Shaer, Director of the Environment Department at the Dubai Municipality, officially announced the launch of Dubai Children’s Science Congress. “It gives an opportunity for children in the age group of 12 to 17 to exhibit their creativity, innovation and ability to solve a local societal problem using science,” he said.

Students can apply through their schools and each school can suggest a team of five to 10 students with a teacher as a guide. Each group can identify a relevant and appropriate project, focusing on the theme, “Clean Environment, Clean City-Through Environment Protection and Waste Reduction”.

An academic council will choose the best teams based on their synopsis. Selected teams will be given two months to do the field study and finalise the project. An academic team will support the student groups to formulate and finalise the project.

At the completion of the project, the groups will be invited to present their projects at the science congress, in front of an audience of scientists, experts, academicians, students and the public. A workshop for students will be held on January 14 to officially launch the programme.

Manoj Kumar, Director of the Dubai Children’s Science Congress, said the event will be held every year under different themes. “Every year a focal theme will be announced for the programme. The science congress is a humble effort to motivate, support and promote our children who have natural creative talents in science and technology.”

Dr K.P. Unni Krishnan, Chairman of the Academic Committee, said: “Children are encouraged to work in groups. This year’s science congress puts emphasis on the importance of environment protection, a crucial issue that has its bearing on the existence of our planet.”

The Dubai Municipality is organising the event in coordination with The Friends of Kerala Shasthra Sahithya Parishad (FKSSP), under the guidance of Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA).

muaz@khaleejtimes.com