As part of ADEC’s eagerness to ignite a passion for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) amongst schools, students studying in Grades 3 to 7 across the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, are taking part in an innovative initiative program called “lema?” from April 16th to May 25th 2017.
The interactive fun-loving program offers classroom workshops related to STEM, and that complement their current school curriculum. This year’s program includes: “The Prepare for Take off Show” which allows students to explore the fundamentals of flight and learn about Abu Dhabi’s innovative role in the aviation sector.
Students are given the opportunity to take part in a thrilling journey that involves the launch of a hot-air balloon, where they get to fire a jet-engine piston and investigate the aviation fuels of the future, all through spectacular demonstrations.
The show is among a number of interactive extra-curricular activities for students in Grades 3 to 7 delivered as part of the “lema?” program.
With the support of its Platinum Sponsor, Mubadala Investment Company, the program trains and prepares talented science communicators to deliver fun, interactive classroom workshops, shows and innovative learning experiences that build STEM knowledge and inspire Abu Dhabi’s future science and technology leaders.
The “lema?” program also includes a Radio Studio Workshop that explores the science of sound; a Body Builders Show that tours a person’s internal organs and highlights the importance of healthy eating; two LEGO Mindstorms programing and robotics workshops; and a Secrets of Space Show that charts the vast expanse of the universe using a mobile planetarium.
H.E. Dr. Yousif Al Sheryani, Education Advisor to ADEC’s Director General and Acting Executive Director of Planning and Strategic Affairs Office, lauded the initiative which he explained “will definitely help stimulate students to learn more about STEM in an informative, knowledgeable, yet fun-loving manner, which is exactly what we’d like to accomplish in ADEC – to encourage passion and interest towards STEM related fields through interactive activities such as “lema?”
Dr. Al Sheryani further added: “What’s interesting is that this particular program employs highly successful informal education practices to cultivate science, technology and innovative knowledge amongst young learners, so that they may one day make important contributions to Abu Dhabi’s STEM industries.”
“lema?” is part of ADEC’s innovation programs and initiatives to support the Council’s educational reform agenda, which aims to cultivate and nurture the talent of Abu Dhabi’s prospective innovators and entrepreneurs, and equip them with skills needed to compete globally.
Ms. Fatima Al Marzouqi, Vice President of Education and Training, Aerospace & Engineering Services at Mubadala, commented: “This show is a testament to our goal of engaging and educating the nation’s future generation and developing an educated and skilled workforce. Through the tailored, hands-on approach, the program that has been developed for students to build their skills in a unique environment, lema? continues to spark youth interest and provide in-depth insight into the flourishing UAE aviation sector.”
By working closely with strategic partners sharing the same vision, such as Mubadala, ADEC aims to contribute to nation-wide efforts to develop the innovative human capital required to drive the nation’s progress, in keeping with the objectives of the Abu Dhabi Plan and the UAE National Innovation Strategy.
Since its launch in 2012, “lema?” has reached more than 150,000 students in private and public schools and through science-themed events across Abu Dhabi. Responding to the resoundingly positive feedback from students, parents and teachers, the program continues to grow each year to excite and inspire ever-increasing numbers of young people throughout the Emirate.
