MathAlive! Exhibition helps inspire students to master Math

Sharjah Science Museum will host the travelling Raytheon’s interactive MathAlive! Exhibition till January 12, 2014. — Supplied photo

Raytheon’s interactive MathAlive! Exhibition — the first of its kind in the Middle East — opened at the Sharjah Science Museum on Thursday, following one year of planning. The ground-breaking travelling exhibition, which is being held in conjunction with Khalifa University, runs until January 12, 2014, and will move to Ras Al Khaimah next.

The exhibition is designed to inspire and spark students’ imaginations and help them master the subject.

Matt Riddle, President, Raytheon International Inc, said Raytheon, as a global technology leader, understands how important math and science skills are to a nation’s future, including the UAE.

“I hope the hands-on interactive exhibit brings the magic of math to life and helps inspire the next generation of students to pursue math and science-related technology careers.”

Robert C. Kock, Vice-President, Raytheon, told Khaleej Times that it took them two weeks to set up the one-month exhibition, after a year-long planning process. “The about 40 different scientific and mathematic experiences being exhibited here attracted over 150,000 students at the Science Festival in Abu Dhabi back in November,” he said.

Dr Ali Dawood, Assistant Director, Khalifa University Sharjah Campus, said the university is dedicated to inspiring creativity and innovation in the UAE. “It’s very important to attract today’s young people to careers in science and technology, because that is where the future lies and what the UAE needs to be a world leader.”

Dr Dawood told Khaleej Times that the exhibition is expected to change students’ attitudes towards Math, and encourage them to love, learn, and even specialise in it. “We hope the mobile exhibition be permanent so that all students can learn enough about each and every experience which do need time to know about.”

MathAlive!, officially launched by Saeed Musbah Al Kaabi, Director of the Sharjah Educational Zone, is scheduled to travel throughout the Middle East over the next five years. It is primarily designed for students aged 7-14 and will bring to life the real math behind what kids love most — video games, sports, design, music, robotics, and more — by creating an interactive experience.

Manal Ataya, Director-General of the Sharjah Museums Department, said encouraging the UAE youth to be more involved in mathematics and science is essential for the advancement of the country. “As this delightful exhibition illustrates, these subjects can be both fascinating and fun.”

MathAlive! is aimed at providing direct support for the successful growth and development of the Middle East region’s technology industrial base, helping to inspire young students in the region to develop an interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, and encourage them to pursue related careers.

Presented in Arabic as well as English, the 465-square meter exhibition contains exciting content relating to mathematics at work around the world. It also highlights historical achievements of Gulf region mathematicians, as well as people from the Middle East who apply science, technology, engineering, and math studies in their current careers.

MathAlive! will be open from 8am to 2pm Sundays through Thursdays, and from 5pm to 8pm on Fridays and Saturdays.

ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com