Abu Dhabi: Long hours of study and countless complex calculations may have dissuaded many young minds in the capital from pursuing scientific fields of study in the past. But come October, thousands of inquisitive schoolchildren will once again flock to the Abu Dhabi Science Festival (ADSF) that seeks to inspire interest in science.
Currently in its second year, organised by the Technology Development Committee (TDC), the event is expected to draw more than 100,000 visitors from across the emirate of Abu Dhabi. In preparation, the floor space for activities has been increased by 20 per cent, new activities have been organised and many popular ones from last year have been reprised.
One of the more popular displays to return is an Emergency Room set-up that invites children to perform keyhole surgeries.
“Children can only experience this at a science festival, and it is thrilling for them to remove gall stones from a mannequin,” said Simon Gage, director and chief executive officer of the Edinburgh International Science Festival (EISF). Since last year, the EISF has been collaborating with TDC in the organisation of the ADSF.
Another returning attraction is an archaeological exercise to dig up dinosaur bones.
Nearly half the activities are brand new however, including a life-sized Tyrannosaurus Rex that will tour festival venues on the opening weekend.
“We will also show children how science plays a role in sport. In this section of the festival, they can test their tolerance of pain to see if they can become endurance athletes in the future, or see how they compare with the running speed of Olympic champion Usain Bolt,” Gage said.
There is also a highly anticipated section that will allow children to solve a staged crime mystery using finger print analysis, blood type comparisons and other forensic techniques.
A range of stage shows are planned as well, some of which will demonstrate how simple chemicals can be mixed to produce explosions, and one entitled Dr Megavolt in which performers will manipulate electricity to produce lightning.
“The element of risk excites children, and we hope this will inspire many of them to pursue scientific fields of study in the future,” Gage added.
Last year’s festival sold out on all days, and so, an online booking service is in the works this time around, Ahmad Al Khalili, director general at the TDC told Gulf News.
And although the festival aims to educate children between the ages of five and 15 years, nearly 800 students from eight Abu Dhabi-based universities are also gearing up for it. These students, known as Science Communicators, will demonstrate and coordinate a large proportion of festival activities.
“Volunteers from Abu Dhabi University had such a good time in 2011, and gained so many skills, that we have had to turn down applications from students looking to work at the festival this year,” said Steven Cornish, University College associate dean at the Abu Dhabi University.
The colourful festival will run for 11 days from October 10 to October 20, and activities will be held at a range of venues, including the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, the Abu Dhabi Corniche, Al Wahda Mall, Mushrif Mall, Al Ain Mall and City Mall.
