Students submit projects for Google science fair

The annual competition seeks out the brightest young scientists from around the globe, encouraging them to design interesting, creative projects relevant to the world today.

The Advanced Technology Investment Company (ATIC), in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Education Council (Adec) and Abu Dhabi University Knowledge Group (ADUKG), hosted the submissions as part of the broader ‘Tech Quest’ science programme, introducing Emirati students to potential science and technology career opportunities.

“These students have demonstrated remarkable enthusiasm over the first week of Tech Quest, especially in developing their science fair projects,” said Dr Jihad Mohaidat, global partnerships manager at the Adec.

The science fair is part of Google’s broader commitment to increase access to education and encourage technology use in classrooms in the Middle East and around the world. Google aims to inspire scientific exploration among the next generation of scientists and engineers, celebrate scientific talent, and create scientific role models in the UAE, the Arab region and around the world. Grade 9 student Faisal Abdul Raheem Al Hosani is exploring the use of lasers in reducing road accidents because of low visibility. During low visibility conditions such as fog and sand storms, traditional lights may make a car visible only to motorists in vehicles just a few metres away.

Low intensity lasers fixed at strategic angles can increase that visibility up to three kilometres. Certain laser lights are also naturally defused by car glass — meaning drivers will be aware of cars around them without causing glare and preventing their vision.

Eighth grader Mouza Mohammed Al Hamili is investigating the use of parachutes in reducing high-rise fire fatalities. Starting with scale models, she believes parachutes may be the key to allowing escape in conditions where traditional fire exits have been compromised.

Similar instruments currently in use include a long steel cable one uses to descend from a side of a building. Such cables can become compromised if one must descend past an area of open flame.

All projects will be judged by a panel of teachers and university professors towards the end of May. Ninety regional finalists will be announced. The list will then be shortened to 15 global finalists in early June.

These 15 finalists will be flown to Google headquarters in California for a celebratory Science Fair event with the final judging round to take place on July 23.

Prizes include once-in-a-lifetime experiences like a scientific trip to the Galapagos Islands with National Geographic Expeditions, unique scholarships and real-life work opportunities in iconic science centres of excellence like CERN in Switzerland.

olivia@khaleejtimes.com