Whether you are curious about the science behind rollercoasters and spaceships or want to explore the world of stems and cells, or take a peep into the secrets of dolphins or discover the basics of architecture and design, Abu Dhabi Science Festival has it all.
As Mushrif Central Park is all set to host the region’s biggest science festival from November 12 to 22, XPRESS picks the best workshops and shows that are sure to astound the budding scientist in your child.
1. UAE Space Station
Blast off to the space station and discover the secrets of Mars. Join astronauts for a journey to the space station as they teach you skills required for space exploration. During this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn how to find evidence of life in soil samples, use rovers to collect samples from the surface of Mars and search for water and life on this exciting planet.
When: November 12 to 21
Event type: Workshop
Age group: 9-12 years
2. Oil Explorers
Become an exploratory geologist in this exciting interactive workshop. Discover the origins of oil, learn how to find it and test your identification skills by using core samples to find a good place to drill. Also get an insight into the ground breaking technology required to extract oil as you join a team and build your own mock oil rig.
When: November 12 to 21
Event type: Workshop
Age group: 5 to 8 years
3. Dig up a dinosaur
Millions of years ago dinosaurs ruled the Earth, but how do we find out more about them? Learn the techniques and tools scientists use to dig for bones and fossils, and then use your skills to brush away the sand and see what you can learn from your discovery.
When: November 12 to 22
Event Type: Workshop
Age Group: 5-8 years
4. Hydrogen Car Pit Stop
In this workshop you will learn how to build hydrogen fuel powered cars from kits – which have one or more ‘faults’ built into them. Working as a team, you and your friends will diagnose the problem and race to complete your car while learning about hydrogen as an alternative energy source.
When: November 12 to 21
Event type: Workshop
Age group: 9 to 12 years
5. Rocket Rail
Learn about forces, engineering and aerodynamics as you make your own freight train in this hands-on workshop. Choose your train shape, build it and power it up – then see how it compares against the rest as you race it along the custom-built competition track.
When: November 12 to 21
Event type: workshop
Age groups: 5 to 8 years
6. From DNA to Cells to Worms
Discover the world of DNA, genes, cells and worms. New York University Abu Dhabi will take you on a journey to explore what organisms are made of – from DNA to cells to ‘Wonder-Full’ worms! Learn how to extract DNA in your kitchen, observe your own cells under the microscope, take a ‘Cell-fie’ and watch how worms behave when they are genetically modified.
When: weekends only
Event type: Workshop
Age group: All ages
7. Open Source Village
Visit the amazing ADSF Open Source Village to get crafty with science. There’s a fantastic range of fun-filled activities lined up for you here . You can create your own balloon compass, be dazzled by dancing sultanas, make a lollipop musical instrument, investigate the colour of sweets and much more.
When: November 12 to 21
Event type: Show
Age group: All ages
8. Iftah Ya Sim Sim Health Shows
Iftah Ya Simsim muppets - No’man, Shams, Melsoon, Gargur, as well as Sesame Street muppets (Elmo, Ernie and Bert, Cookie Monster…) will be around to encourage children to adopt healthy lifestyles through a live show full of fun and edutainment.
When: November 12 to 21
Event type: Show
Age group: all ages
Details
Ticket prices: From 0-4 years for free, 5-15: Dh10 , 16plus: Dh5
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Sunday to Wednesday: 4pm-9pm; Thursdays: 4pm-10pm; Fridays and Saturday: 2pm-10pm
Call: 800 2373
To know more go to: www.abudhabisciencefestival.ae
