Category: Science, Literacy & Education

DNA workshops and murder mystery by forensic scientist at Bahrain Science Centre

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Visiting forensic scientist, Professor Valerie Corfield, explains the intricacies of the DNA spiral to young visitors to the Bahrain Science Centre during a 'DNA Detective' workshop

Visiting forensic scientist, Professor Valerie Corfield, explains the intricacies of the DNA spiral to young visitors to the Bahrain Science Centre during a ‘DNA Detective’ workshop

Bahrain Science Centre, part of the Ministry of Social Development in Bahrain, is  currently hosting a real forensic scientist from the Medical Research Council in South Africa, Dr Valerie Corfield.

Professor Valerie Corfield is a retired medical researcher who is very well known in South Africa for her involvement in informal education on medical issues, including HIV-Aids and the use of DNA in forensic science and genetics. She is holding ‘DNA Detective’ workshops and one ‘DNA Murder Mystery’, which will allow visitors to get involved and discover the wonder of DNA. She will also do staff training on how to use DNA in teaching about forensics and genetics.

The ‘DNA Detective Workshop’ is suitable for visitors aged 9 years and older and the ‘Murder Mystery’ is suitable for visitors 12 years and older.

Later today, a ‘murder’ in a make-believe space ship (BSC 13) will be enacted at the Bahrain Science Centre this Thursday evening and everyone is invited to come along and help solve the ‘crime’.

The Commander of the Space Ship BSC 13, Astro Naut, is mysteriously murdered and every member of the crew is a suspect.

Is the murderer Cosmo Naut, the jealous younger brother of the Commander, or Mike Apollo, a space tourist, or the unhappy wife of the Commander, Countfore Naut, the pompous and unbearable Max D Oderant, sponsor of the space tourists, or the heavily armed Flight Chef Para Noyd? Perhaps it is the programmer of the androids, Maida Blunder, or even one of the androids itself, C3PO. Or maybe it is Detective Conan from the No.1 Ladies Detective Agency, who is a guest onboard of ultra rich Lady Bonnie Bigbux, herself a prime suspect?

Date:Time:Venue: 30 May 2013 5: 00 to 7pm pm – Murder Mystery “Death in Orbit “ play

Bahrain Science Centre, Building 334, Road 109, Block 801, Riyadh Avenue, Isa Town, Kingdom of Bahrain.

 

 

 

 

The Bahrain Science Centre is located in Building 334, Road 109, Block 801, Riyadh Avenue, Isa Town, Kingdom of Bahrain and can be contacted on 17686466.

For more information, please contact:

Shereen Shabnam

BH Mob: +973 39511234

UAE Mob: +971 50 4828177/7690087

Bahrain Science Centre to host a unique Sound of Music show

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Our colleague Mohammed does the Sound of music show at Bahrain Science Centre

Our colleague Mohammed does the Sound of music show at Bahrain Science Centre

Bahrain Science Centre, part of the Ministry of Social Development in Bahrain will actively focus on exploring science shows on music this month sparked by the famous South African science show presenter, Derek Fish who visited the science centre last year.

Derek gave some terrific performances of his ‘Sounds of Music’ show to capacity audiences, encouraging facilitators to teach science using music in Bahrain. Two of the centre’s Facilitators, Mohammed Alkooheji and Hafsa Rahman, have taken the lead in this exciting initiative.

Sound travels in waves, but what do these waves look like?  The centre has bought some software that shows, on the screen, what high and low-pitched sound waves look like. There are already downloaded sounds made by different musical instruments and visitors can watch the waves that they make.

Further research reveals that the shortest strings on string instruments, such as the guitar or violin, produce the highest pitch sounds and the longest strings produce the lowest pitch sounds. Likewise, wind instruments with large or long sound chambers (tuba, baritone saxophone, French horn, trombone) produce deeper sounds than instruments with small or narrow sound chambers (piccolo, flute or clarinet). To learn more, visit the Bahrain Science Centre.

The Bahrain Science Centre is located in Building 334, Road 109, Block 801, Riyadh Avenue, Isa Town, Kingdom of Bahrain and can be contacted on 17686466.

Press release issued on behalf Bahrain Science Centre. For further information, please contact Shereen Shabnam on +971 507690087/ 504828177/ shereen@mtestudios.com. For information on the weekly programmes at the Bahrain Science Centre, please contact Amna Aldoseri at amna@mtestudios.com.

 

The most efficient vehicle – Learn about bicycles at Bahrain Science Centre

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Bicycle exhibit Shereen Shabnam

During April and May 2013 the Bahrain Science Centre part of the Ministry of Social Development in Bahrain is celebrating the theme ‘Machines & Mechanisms’. One of its displays and activities during these theme months is on the most efficient vehicle ever invented, the bicycle.

The bicycle display demonstrates why the bicycle is so efficient due to its ergonomic design that uses the human body as a source of power, its light weight, streamlining, reduced rolling resistance on the road and reduced friction resistance in the chain and sprockets.

Furthermore, the rider is seated and does not have to support his/her weight, and the reciprocal cycling action allows one leg to recover while the other leg is pushing. Bicycles also have gears that provide mechanical advantage when riding uphill or against the wind, and can free-wheel downhill without any use of energy.

The display also emphasizes that the bicycle is the most environmentally friendly form of transport as it reduces air pollution, does not produce greenhouse gases and therefore reduces our carbon footprint. It also reduces noise levels, consumes fewer resources to make and use, and uses less space than cars and therefore reduces traffic congestion. Bicycles also facilitate healthy exercise and promote a healthy outdoor life style.

The discussion and workshops around the display will focus on the design of the mechanics of the bicycle and should be of interest to people of all age groups.

Don’t miss the display, discussions, debates and workshops on the bicycle in the Bahrain Science Centre during April and May 2013.

The Bahrain Science Centre is located in Building 334, Road 109, Block 801, Riyadh Avenue, Isa Town, Kingdom of Bahrain and can be contacted on 17686466.

Press release issued on behalf Bahrain Science Centre. For further information, please contact Shereen Shabnam on +971 507690087/ 504828177/ shereen@mtestudios.com.

Week of Chemistry’ at the Bahrain Science Centre

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Detlef 3

Detlef presenting a chemistry show

During the week of 22nd to 25th April 2013, the Bahrain Science Centre, part of Ministry of Social Development, will be featuring an intensive week of chemistry shows, discussions and debates.

World famous science educator, Detlef Basel from the Cape Town Science Centre in South Africa will present nine, one-hour ‘Hooked on Science’ chemistry shows throughout the week.

Detlef has over 40 years experience doing science shows and has performed on television and in front of huge live audiences. He is an expert at creating big (but safe) bangs, whizzes and pops and will enthrall you with his mastery of simple chemical elements, many of which can be found in your kitchen cupboard.

The ‘Hooked on Science’ shows are suitable for all age groups and will be presented during the mornings for school groups and during the afternoons and evenings for families. Visit the Science Centre’s website for more details.

The Bahrain Science Centre is located in Building 334, Road 109, Block 801, Riyadh Avenue, Isa Town, Kingdom of Bahrain and can be contacted on 17686466.

MTE Studios currently manages and operates the Bahrain Science Centre. For further information, please contact Shereen Shabnam on +971 507690087/ 504828177/ shereen@mtestudios.com. For information on the weekly programmes at the Bahrain Science Centre, please contact Amna Aldoseri at amna@mtestudios.com.

Science and Technology Models exhibition at Bahrain Science Centre tomorrow

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Bahrain Science Centre, part of the Ministry of Social Development, along with the Institution of Engineers (India) Bahrain chapter (IEIBC) is showcasing an exhibition of the models displayed by students themed Science and Technology Models. The exhibition is scheduled on 8th February, 2013 between 3pm to 6pm, at the Bahrain Science Centre.

Participation is open to all parents and students and provides a wonderful opportunity for students of all ages to learn useful projects in science and technology, using simple materials and very innovative workable ideas.

Parents and teachers are encouraged to motivate the children to see this inspiring learning experience and visitors are requested to reach the venue in time to avoid rush.

The Bahrain Science Centre is located in Building 334, Road 109, Block 801, Riyadh Avenue, Isa Town, Kingdom of Bahrain and can be contacted on 17686466.

“Desert life and Plants” takes focus Bahrain science centre

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desert&plant-edited

Bahrain Science Centre will be focusing on Desert life and Plants in Bahrain to help to increase the awareness among the Bahraini population towards their agriculture and its importance to the economy.

There will be workshops and talks conducted by professional speakers like Jassim Abdul Kareem, Ebrahim Hameed and Prof. Mike Bruton to enlighten the visitors about agriculture in Bahrain, best water usage, usage of drain water, plant and herbs that grows in Bahrain.

This talks will allow visitors to fully get involved in implementing what they have learn during their visit to the Centre and they will also be able to take home what they have planted .The centre will give all visitors gift packages of seeds and small plants.

During February there will be new events like minerals and rocks workshop, state of mater show, desert plants workshop and the scary skeleton tours. The Bahrain Science Centre is located in Building 334, Road 109, Block 801, Riyadh Avenue, Isa Town, Kingdom of Bahrain and can be contacted on 17686466.

– ENDS –

Press release issued on behalf Bahrain Science Centre. For further information, please contact Shereen Shabnam on +971 507690087/ 504828177/ shereen@mtestudios.com.

About Bahrain Science Centre (BSC):

The Bahrain Science Centre (BSC) is an interactive educational facility that targets children, youth and families of Bahrain. It is located in building 334, Road 109, Block 801, Riyadh Avenue, Isa Town, Kingdom of Bahrain. The science centre has six interactive exhibition galleries, an auditorium, four laboratories and a café/shop.

The role of the BSC is to promote awareness of the importance of science and technology, complement the school curriculum, stimulate curiosity and innovation, and create a forum for public debate on science and technology issues. The topics covered by current exhibitions include junior engineering, human health, the five senses, earth sciences and biodiversity.

Focusing on hands-on learning using interactive displays and people-centred programmes, such as science shows, Bahrain Science Centre also strongly promotes creativity and innovation as well as cross-generational learning. The science centre will also endeavour to promote an awareness of Bahrain’s contributions to science and technology and a strong Bahraini identity. It is an ideal family edutainment destination.

View a meteorite shower with Bahrain Science Centre

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Bahrain Science Centre this month has a number of activities lined up as the theme of the month is Arab innovations and Invention and activities include an excursion to view a meteorite shower, interesting debates, workshops and science experiments.

On Thursday the 13th December, there will be a Static electricity demonstration at 10.30am and an animal story telling session at 5.30pm. Friday the 14th will feature henna and face painting experiences from 5pm onwards. The week finishes on the same day with a METEORITE SHOWER observation that will take place at Jazayer Beach, Southern Governorate at 8 PM until midnight.

An expert astronomer will be available to interpret the observations with a telescope provided by the center

The Bahrain Science Centre is located in Building 334, Road 109, Block 801, Riyadh Avenue, Isa Town, Kingdom of Bahrain and can be contacted on 17686466.

– ENDS –

Press release issued on behalf Bahrain Science Centre. For further information, please contact Shereen Shabnam on +971 507690087/ 504828177/ shereen@mtestudios.com.

Bahrain Science Centre to focus on Arab innovations

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Kids learn via interactives, talks, debates and workshops at Bahrain Science Centre

The theme of activities in the Bahrain Science Centre during December 2012 and January 2013 will be ‘Bahraini Innovation’, but this topic will be broadened to also include innovations and superlatives from the whole Arab world.

Bahrain boasts many superlatives of its own. It has archaeological records of one of the oldest known civilizations (Dilmun), and the largest number of burial mounds in the world (originally over 85 000). It also features in the world’s oldest and most enduring piece of literature, the ‘Epic of Gilgamesh’, in which Bahrain was the home of eternal youth.

The first oil strike in the Middle East was made in Bahrain (1931/32) and the first oil exports from an Arab country were from Bahrain (1930s). Bahrain was also the first Arab country to begin diversifying its economy away from total dependence on oil and gas (ca 1975).

In the fields of scientific discovery and technological innovation, Arab countries can boast many firsts through the pioneering works of the Abbas bin Firnas, al-Kindi, the Banu Musa brothers, al-Razi, al-Muradi, al-Jazari, Ibn Khaldun, Ibn al-Haitham, Taqi al-Din and many others, but that’s another story.

The Arab world today boasts many world firsts and superlatives on the engineering front. These include the first city (Uruk in Iraq; 3200 BC), earliest high-rise building city (Shibam in Yemen; 16th century), tallest building in the world (Burj Khalifa in Dubai; 828 m), tallest hotel as part of a multiplex (Makkah Royal Clock Hotel; Saudi Arabia), tallest all-hotel building (Rose Rayhaan by Rotana in Dubai; 333 m), tallest hotel atrium (180 m; Burj al Arab in Dubai), tallest residential building (413.4 m; Princess Tower in Dubai) and the largest shopping mall in the world (Dubai Mall; 548 127 m²).

Then there is the 50 floor Bahrain World Trade Centre which is the first skyscraper in the world to integrate wind turbines into its design. Hence the building has received several awards for sustainability as the sail-shaped buildings on either side are designed to channel wind through the gap to provide accelerated wind passing through the turbines.  Tests show that the building shape has the potential to generate electricity.

The largest airport in the world is King Fahd International Airport (DMM) near Damman in eastern Saudi Arabia. Its area (780 km²) is greater than that of Bahrain! The largest alternative energy city is Masdar City in Abu Dhabi (6 km²; started in 2006) and the longest driverless metro network in the world is the Dubai Metro (74.694 km).

The largest draped flag is in Rayak, Lebanon (325 x 203 m) and the longest straight road (240 km) is in Saudi Arabia (Harad to Badha). The Qatar-Bahrain Friendship Causeway (40 km) will be the longest causeway in the world when it is completed (the King Fahd Causeway, at 27 km, is currently the third longest marine causeway in the world).

Join us at the Bahrain Science Centre in December and January as we celebrate Bahraini, and Arab, contributions to the world!

The Bahrain Science Centre is located in Building 334, Road 109, Block 801, Riyadh Avenue, Isa Town, Kingdom of Bahrain and can be contacted on 17686466.

– ENDS –

Press release issued on behalf Bahrain Science Centre. For further information, please contact Shereen Shabnam on +971 507690087/ 504828177/ shereen@mtestudios.com.

About Bahrain Science Centre (BSC):

The Bahrain Science Centre (BSC) is an interactive educational facility that targets children, youth and families of Bahrain. It is located in building 334, Road 109, Block 801, Riyadh Avenue, Isa Town, Kingdom of Bahrain. The science centre has six interactive exhibition galleries, an auditorium, four laboratories and a café/shop.

The role of the BSC is to promote awareness of the importance of science and technology, complement the school curriculum, stimulate curiosity and innovation, and create a forum for public debate on science and technology issues. The topics covered by current exhibitions include junior engineering, human health, the five senses, earth sciences and biodiversity.

Focusing on hands-on learning using interactive displays and people-centred programmes, such as science shows, Bahrain Science Centre also strongly promotes creativity and innovation as well as cross-generational learning. The science centre will also endeavour to promote an awareness of Bahrain’s contributions to science and technology and a strong Bahraini identity. It is an ideal family edutainment destination.

‘Sultans of Science’ to fascinate audiences at Petrosains, Kuala Lumpur

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MTE Studios Sultans of Science Exhibition attracts large audiences 🙂

Travelling exhibition has attracted thousands visitors since its debut in Asia

Currently touring Asia, ‘Sultans of Science’ will be hosted at Petrosains, The Discovery Centre, located at the PETRONAS Twin Towers, Kuala Lumpur to captivate audiences in Malaysia as the third venue for the exhibition since its Asian debut. The global travelling exhibition, also known as ‘Islamic Science Rediscovered’ will open in mid December 2012 in Kuala Lumpur until mid June 2013, showcasing the significant contributions Muslim scholars have made to science and technology.

Tengku Nasariah Tengku Syed Ibrahim, CEO from Petrosains Sdn Bhd said, “‘Sultans of Science’ corresponds well with our aim to enhance science literacy and instill a passion for acquiring scientific knowledge emphasising on the excitement of learning rather than on the rigorous memorisation of scientific facts. We have followed its success in the last few years and believe the subject is perfect for all generations of visitors we get at Petrosains”

“We are excited to showcase Sultans of Science in Petrosains, which brings to life scientific principles by engaging and educating visitors through numerous interactive hands-on experiences. With the message that science and technology is a universal language, the exhibition has more than 50 exhibits in areas such as architecture, arts, astronomy, engineering, explorers, flight, mathematics, medicine, optics and water control, revealing astounding historical legacy of Muslim science, technology and inventions to the Malaysian audience,” added Ludo Verheyen, CEO of MTE Studios.

‘Sultans of Science’ exhibition was created after Dubai, Bahrain and Cape Town based MTE Studios was tasked with theming Ibn Battuta Mall in Dubai. The company researched on the technologies invented by Muslim scholars of the Golden Age of Islam (700 – 1700 CE), such as the Elephant Water Clock before creating it for the Mall.

Enjoying enormous success over the last 8 months and enlightening Asian audiences on the important scientific and cultural achievements of the Arab & Muslim scholars, a prestigious venue like Petrosains is perfect for this blockbuster event.

The exhibits were designed in Dubai and created in Cape Town with the exception of the replica of surgical instruments designed by Muslim scientists in the 14th century. These were made of silver and were crafted by jewelers in Egypt. ‘Sultans of Science’ has been displayed at prestigious venues including the MTN Science centre in Cape Town, South Africa; the Liberty Science Center in New Jersey, USA; Ontario Science Center in Canada; TELUS World Of Science in Edmonton, Canada; Tech Museum in San Jose, Science Centre Singapore and National Science Museum in Thailand. With the opening at Petrosains, The Discovery Science Centre, the exhibition will continue traveling across the globe.

Press release issued on behalf of MTE Studios FZ LLC. For further information, please contact Shereen Shabnam on +971 507690087/504828177/shereen@mtestudios.com

About ‘Sultans of Science’ (‘Islamic Science Rediscovered’):

‘Sultans of Science’ also known as ‘Islamic Science Rediscovered’ is a global touring exhibition celebrating the contribution of Muslim Scholars in Science and Technology during the Golden Age of the Islamic World and the influence their inventions and contributions has towards modern society.

Focused on increasing knowledge and understanding of these invaluable contributions, ‘Islamic Science Rediscovered’ has been created as a global traveling exhibition in order to enable its message to be far-reaching through science centers and museums around the world.

The content features interactive displays with information on inventions, innovations and discoveries covering a broad spectrum of science topics such as astronomy, mathematics, medicine, optics amongst others, which were ahead of its time. Visit http://www.sultans-of-science.com for more information.

About MTE Studios:

MTE Studios is a specialized consultancy firm focused on themed architecture and interactive learning experiences. The firm designs, prototypes and manufactures inspiring interactive exhibits for science centers, museums, shopping malls and corporate environments.

MTE Studios translates unique residential, commercial, educational and leisure projects into stimulating lifescapes.  Its scope of services ranges from creating a storyline, concept and detail design, documentation, project management and art direction during construction. MTE’s portfolio of completed projects includes museums, shopping malls, theme parks, FEC’s and residential developments.

Recently Bahrain’s Ministry of Human Rights and Social Development has appointed MTE Studios to manage and run operations of the new state-of-the-art Bahrain Science Centre. One of the firm’s recent projects was the development of the Museum of Science and Technology in Islam at the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia.

With offices in Dubai, UAE and Cape Town, South Africa, MTE Studios has an interdisciplinary team of over 50 specialists, including architects, art directors, artists, engineers and interactive designers from over 12 countries. Visit www.mtestudios.com for more information.

About Petrosains, The Discovery Centre:

Petrosains is a Science Discovery Centre that uses an exciting and interactive approach to tell the story of the science and technology of the petroleum industry. Its concept and contents revolve specifically around the science of petroleum, yet embrace all the general sciences. The hands-on approach adopted by Petrosains puts an emphasis on the fun and excitement of learning rather than on the rigorous memorisation of scientific facts.

Petrosains Sdn. Bhd. was incorporated to extend PETRONAS’ commitment as a socially responsible corporate citizen in providing a rich and stimulating environment aimed to enhance science literacy and instill in Malaysians a passion for acquiring scientific knowledge. In addition to opening a window of information on the history and development of petroleum and its related products, the centre also creates more awareness on the enormous career opportunities in the industry.

Petrosains is housed in the world’s tallest twin towers, the PETRONAS Twin Towers, Kuala Lumpur. Occupying levels 4 and 5 of both Tower 1 and Tower 2 of the Twin Towers, Petrosains covers a total exhibit area of more than 70,000 square feet. Entrance to Petrosains is through Level 4 of the Suria KLCC mall. The mall is accessible via various modes of public transportation. Visit http://www.petrosains.com.my/ for more information.

 

Bahrain Writer’s Circle meets at the Bahrain Science Centre

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The monthly meeting of the Bahrain Writer’s Circle was held at the Bahrain Science Centre last Sunday. The meeting was attended by 45 people, including writers, poets, actors, newspaper columnists, editors and members of the general public.

The MTE Studios Director of the Science Centre, Professor Mike Bruton, gave a talk entitled ‘Brain Power: Boys vs Girls’ in which he discussed the structural and functional differences between male and female brains. Some of the main differences are in the way that men and women communicate and visualize three-dimensional spaces. He also discussed the impact of digital media on brain development in children, and pointed out the importance of ‘old fashioned’ three-dimensional play in the development of brain power.

A wide range of issues was discussed after the talk, such as how to achieve the right balance between conventional play and play on digital media, how to avoid digital addictions, and how to develop one’s creativity as a writer. After the talk Professor Bruton took members of the Bahrain Writer’s Circle and guests on a tour of the Science Centre, including the ‘Scary Skeletons’ exhibition and interactive galleries.

The Bahrain Science Centre is located in Building 334, Road 109, Block 801, Riyadh Avenue, Isa Town, Kingdom of Bahrain and can be contacted on 17686466.

Press release issued on behalf of Bahrain Science Centre. For further information, please contact Shereen Shabnam on +971 507690087/ 504828177/ shereen@mtestudios.com.