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Abu Dhabi Science Festival has something for every child

ADSF engages the emirate’s youth and sparks their curiosity in Science, Technology and Innovation as part of a long term plan to invest in the development of a world-class talent base.

Wide-eyed, students tried to contain their excitement as they walked in an orderly fashion around a big tent at the Abu Dhabi Science Festival, being held for the first time at the du Forum on Yas Island.

ADSF 2013, which opened on Thursday, is brimming with tantalising stalls, beckoning young minds to experiment and try their hands on the many science and technology-enriched activities, that will see them coming back till it ends on November 23.

For the first time this year, 10 to 14-year-olds get to learn how to track down hackers through the ‘Codecrackers’ while five to eight-year-olds discover the wonderful creatures that live on coral reefs in the ‘Secret Life of Coral’. Other workshops new to the festival are the ‘Animal Agents’ aimed to awaken young eco-warriors, and ‘Power sit up!’ which will introduce nine to 11-year-olds to the world of physics. And for the more energetic one, they get to explore their physical fitness with ‘Energize!’

Coming back from the last two years and the favourite among the workshops are the OR Surgery, Dig-up a Dinosaur, Splat-tastic, Egyptian Mummy and Blood Lab.

“This was great. I’ve already tried the Crime Scene Investigation and DNA Codebreakers. I am now going to try my hands on Rocket Cars then the Codecrackers,” said Ahmed Abdulla, 10. He said he has always been fascinated with science and have been doing experiments at home. He was also a regular at the first two editions of the science festival.

Other workshops to watch out include Oasis Island, Launch Pad, The Chain Reactor, It Lights Up!, Marvelous Magnets, Candle Science, Little Giants, Planet in a Bottle, The Polyfloss Factory, Wind Turbines, NASA’s Best Mars Rovers, Tin Box Camera, MadLab and Arabian Aromas.

Shows to watch-out for, meanwhile, include artist Jason Hackenwerth as he transforms thousands of balloons into a spectacular woven sculpture. At the brand-new Roboshow, watch as Skeletron climb a rope and blow up a balloon and another robot dance in perfect synchrony.

Students try their hands at different science activities at the Abu Dhabi Science Festival at the du Forum on Yas Island on Thursday. — KT photos by Shoaib Anwer

Doctor Hal and Sideshow Dave return by popular demand with an even bigger bang in their brand new science show. The new show will bring you even more blasts, shocks and surprises in a high-octane chemistry show.

Other shows include Green Power; Super Science Show; Magic Andy’s Light and Colour Show; Lights, Lasers, Action; Science Lucky Dip; Under Pressure; and Vaccum Gloves, Vortex Cannons and Jet Packs.

In addition to du Forum, the Abu Dhabi Corniche (East Plaza) will also host the festival in the downtown island, offering more chance for the youth to be inspired by its events and activities.

Due to popular demand, the Abu Dhabi Science Festival is also expanding its reach across the UAE to spread the fun of science to Al Ain and the Western region, and Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, and Umm Al Quwain in the northern emirates.

Organised by the Abu Dhabi Technology Development Committee (TDC), ADSF engages the emirate’s youth from five to 15-year-olds) and sparks their curiosity in Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) as part of a long term plan to invest in the development of a world-class talent base.

For more information and programme schedule, visit www.abudhabisciencefestival.ae.

news@khaleejtimes.com