ADEC announces this year’s new workshops at the ADSF 2016. The exciting workshops are set to thrill youngsters and make studying science fun
• 20% increase in fun-filled but thought-provoking science activities
• New workshops include toy making from recycled products and micro plane building
• Event supports government’s mission to build interest in science and technology
Abu Dhabi, UAE, 02 November 2016: The Abu Dhabi Science Festival, one of the region’s biggest and most exhilarating science festivals, held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces and organized by the Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC), is introducing a string of new, fun-packed workshops for 2016.
The ten day spectacular, celebrating its sixth year, will be staged at the family-friendly Umm Al Emarat Park and at the Al Ain Zoo from 17-26 November 2016, where visitors will be spoilt for choice by the vast array of mind-expanding activities and new workshops.
The Abu Dhabi Science Festival aims to produce world-class learners who personify a strong sense of culture and heritage and are prepared to meet tomorrow’s global challenges.
In line with the Abu Dhabi 2030 Vision and the UAE Innovation Strategy, the ADSF 2016 supports the ADEC-led education reforms and the festival will complement the school science curriculum, while consolidating ADEC’s key learning objectives for STEM education.
Eng. Sanad Humaid Ahmed, Chairman of the Innovation Committee and Acting Division Manager -Knowledge Management at ADEC said: “I am delighted that ADSF activities have increased by 20% this year which will make it an even more thought-provoking and motivating experience for young and old alike. Our education partners and sponsors have done a fantastic job of creating new and exciting workshops to inspire young minds to look at the worlds through inquisitive eyes.
The event, which coincides with UAE Innovation Week, is the perfect complement to encouraging STEM education while making science fun, cool and accessible. Our aim is to inspire our children into pursuing STEM education and careers in the future and build a talent base for the science and technology industries.”
ADSF activities have grown this year with significant more drop-in activities to increase the fun factor for children and their families. The event will feature 67 activities in total – up from last year’s 56.
‘Atmosphere and Beyond’ provided by Mad Science will show visitors how to discover the properties of the air around us and explore the atmosphere of Earth and the solar system’s other planets. What makes a planet viable for life and how do atmospheric particles affect the colour of sunsets and rainbows?
Recycle Racers by Nutty Scientists will demonstrate how to make a cool DIY toy from trash to help save the planet. Visitors will learn how to build their own car or hovercraft toy simply by recycling things that other people call ‘garbage’.
Youngsters will be on cloud 9 at the Microplanes workshop by Wonderstruck where they will be able to build and launch their own tiny aeroplane. The challenge is on to see who can land closest to the airport and if the right strategy is chosen, participants will pass with flying colours.
ADSF visitors will also get a chance to build and control robots, as well as learn about electronics and coding at the new Robot Inventor workshop by Tom Ward. The Little inventors and their robots will face many challenges that they need to overcome in a thrillingly fun-packed workshop. The event, which has attracted more than 600,000 visitors over the years, will once again be reaching out to local schools with its popular school trip scheme that enables classes of students to visit the festival for a more in-depth educational experience.More than 900 higher education students will be supporting the event including ADSF alumni who are recruited locally and trained as science communicators by world-class experts to deliver workshops and shows in a lively and engaging manner.
Science festivals are a global best-practice format of science engagement that inspire young minds to look at the world through inquisitive eyes and help their learning development.
A full schedule of events is available at www.abudhabisciencefestival.ae and participants can join the ADSF’s social media platforms on Twitter and Instagram: @adsciencefest and on Facebook: Abu Dhabi Science Festival.
The Festival fee at Umm Al Emarat Park will be AED 5 for adults 16 years and above, AED 10 for children over 4 years and free for children 4 years and below, including the park entrance fee. The Festival in Al Ain Zoo is free to attend with only the entrance fee to Al Ain zoo charged.
Tickets for the new workshops are expected to sell out fast so parents are advised to check the programme and book tickets online early in advance.
The sixth edition of the ADSF is organized by the Abu Dhabi Education Council in partnership with Dolphin Energy as “Presenting Sponsor”, Mubadala and Emirates Transport as “Affiliate Sponsors”, Abu Dhabi Media Company as “Exclusive Media Partner”, Yas Mall as "Mall Partner", Al Ain Zoo as Location Partner-Al Ain and Umm El Emarat Park as Location Partner-Abu Dhabi.