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Learning to love science and technology in Abu Dhabi

Science festival returns with electronic detective hunt, marine workshop

Mind-blowing experiences will be on offer when the Abu Dhabi Science Festival (ADSF) opens to the public on November 14. Organised by the Abu Dhabi Technology Development Committee (TDC), the 10-dayADSF 2013 will return for the third consecutive year with enriched and varied content.

By playing a key role in enabling science, technology and innovation (STI) development in the UAE, the TDC is committed to breaking new ground each year. This year, organisations here will provide world-class content and lead workshops inspired by the local environment.

To keep students protected and increase their awareness level, the National Electronic Security Authority (NESA) will bring to ADSF 2013 an electronic detective hunt called ‘Codecrackers’, which takes youngsters between the ages of 10 and 14 through the twists and turns of virtual data in tracking down a malicious hacker. World experts from NESA will guide young cyber users and demonstrate how important it is to protect their identities from adversaries, who steal and forge identities on the Internet’s information highway.

Burgeoning marine biologists will be enthralled with ‘The Secret Life of Coral’ that is brought to this edition of the festival by Dolphin Energy with the Edinburgh International Science Festival (EISF) and New York University Abu Dhabi. This interactive workshop takes students aged between five and eight on a stunning journey, discovering the weird and wonderful creatures that live on coral reefs. Budding marine biologists can then use their newly acquired aquatic skills to build their very own coral city.

A collaboration between EISF, Tourism and Cultural Authority (TCA) and World Wildlife Fund (WWF) brings to the Festival ‘Animal Agents’ where eco–warriors will be inspired by vigorous local schemes to save indigenous species. This workshop will awaken conservation within five to eight year old children, highlighting successful projects that protect three of the UAE’s most distinctive animals — creepy camel spiders, the elegant Oryx and the magnificent sea turtles.

With the ‘Power it up’ workshop by the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC), physics and engineering come together to demonstrate how safe and clean nuclear energy turns the lights on.

Children will be transported into the exciting world of nuclear energy, which will contribute up to a quarter of the UAE’s electricity needs by 2020. In a fun and interactive session, students will work together to produce enough energy to light up a model street and understand the fascinating physics behind nuclear fission.

The human body’s physical condition is explored with ‘Energize’, which is brought by EISF in association with the Imperial College London Diabetes Centre (ICLDC) Abu Dhabi. This is a high energy, interactive workshop engineered to keep the next generation of scientists fit.

“We’re really excited to have this opportunity to pass on the wonders of science to our young visitors and provide such strong representations of local successes, each in their field. This year’s partnerships with local content providers are a fantastic chance to exhibit distinctive and high quality STI content from around the UAE,” said Neama Al Marshoudi, manager of content, science and technology promotion at TDC.

These workshops are only a part of the thrilling array of content and interactive events on offer at the du Forum and the Abu Dhabi Corniche, East Plaza.

Visitors can pre-plan their visit and book activities through the festival’s website www.abudhabisciencefestival.ae. Tickets will also be available at the festival entry for those who are unable to plan their visits in advance.

news@khaleejtimes.com