Category: Science, Literacy & Education

Bahrain Science Centre focuses on social media in November

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Facilitator conducts a tour

Each month the Bahrain Science Centre focuses some of its educational programmes on a different theme. In November the theme will be ‘Social Media and Socialization’ and the Science Centre will be hosting displays, debates and discussion groups on the challenges and opportunities that social media present to people today.

The early 21st century is a time of wide choices, including choices on how we can communicate with one another. Although the various forms of social media and digital communications provide people with many ways of communicating, and the world is arguably better connected than ever before, many people still seem to be strangely disconnected from society.

Furthermore, those who make extensive use of social media seem to live in an isolated, virtual world and to have lost the skills of one-on-one live communication with other people. During a time of great connectivity, we are losing our communication skills.

The programmes in the Science Centre will discuss this issue as well as topics such as digital addictions, the impact of social and digital media on brain and child development, and the role of social media in the modern world. In addition, the Science Centre will present displays and talks on the history of computing and social media. Lessons will also be offered on how to access social media and how to design your own FaceBook page. Don’t miss these exciting events.

“The Ministry of Social Development supports the concept of having a different theme each month in the Bahrain Science Centre which focuses on science as well as how modern technology affects the youth today,” said Khalid Eshaq Alkoheji, Undersecretary for Community Development in the Ministry.

The month’s events will include a communications workshop by David Hollywood, a leading theatre and literary personality in Bahrain at 5pm on the 22nd of November. David is the chair of the Theatre Group, the Poetry Group, the Bahrain Writer’s Circle and is developing performing arts in 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 +973 1 768 6466.

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.

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.

BAHRAINI PUPILS PREPARE TO SET A WORLD RECORD

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Ali Al-Hawadi, one of the Facilitators in the Bahrain Science Centre, using the ‘Memory Test’ display in the ‘Test your Talents’ gallery

World’s largest memory game to be held at the Bahrain Science Centre during Biology Week

The Bahrain Science Centre in collaboration with The Society of Biology will be part of a record attempt for the world’s largest memory game to celebrate Biology Week in October. The record attempt will take place in the Bahrain Science Centre at 4.30pm on Friday 19th October and is suitable for adults and children of all ages.

Anyone keen to put their short-term memory to the test can take part in the record attempt and learn about the fascinating world of neuroscience. The games will be simple and require no resources or preparation and will last 10 minutes. By sitting a ten-minute memory test, which has been prepared by renowned experimental psychologist Professor Bruce Hood, the pupils will be contributing to a nationwide scientific study.

Dr Mark Downs, Chief Executive of the Society of Biology, says: “This will be the climax of Biology Week, with schools, universities, and learned societies testing their memories simultaneously. We’ve been thrilled with the number of people who are keen to take part and we have high hopes for setting an impressive world record.”

According to Khalid Eshaq Alkoheji, Undersecretary for Community Development in the Ministry, the event is one of many planned at the Bahrain Science Centre to inspire and educate visitors about the life sciences.

“The involvement of the Bahrain Science Centre in the ‘Memory Test’ competition is the first of many international events in which the Science Centre will participate”, said Professor Mike Bruton, MTE Studios Director for the Science Centre, “The Science Centre is part of the international science education community and we are keen to strengthen our global network.”

Participants will sit a ten-minute memory test, prepared by renowned experimental psychologist, Professor Bruce Hood. The data from people of different ages will contribute to a scientific study.

Alongside the attempt school pupils will learn about how our brains store memories (or at least convince us we have made accurate memories!). Anyone who is interested in how the brain works, from remembering how to make a cup of tea to falling in love can watch the Society of Biology Brain Explorers video series.

Dr Downs says: “We hope the record attempt will highlight the importance of neuroscience research, especially into diseases like Alzheimer’s. The memory game is part of a series of events being held to mark Biology Week which runs from 13th-19th October and aims to inspire students about the life sciences.

The Bahrain Science Centre, located in Building 334, Road 109, Block 801, Riyadh Avenue, Isa Town in the Kingdom of Bahrain has several permanent interactive displays that test and develop the memory of visitors.

-ENDS-

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

Notes for editors:

The Society of Biology (www.societyofbiology.org) is a professional body for bioscientists – providing a single unified voice for biology: advising Government and influencing policy; advancing education and professional development; supporting their members, and engaging and encouraging public interest in the life sciences.

About Biology Week

The first ever Biology Week will take place on 13th-19th October, organised by the Society of Biology. Events around the country will give everyone the chance to learn about biology, the science of the 21st Century. www.societyofbiology.org/biologyweek

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.

‘‘Healthy Diet’ is the monthly theme at the Bahrain Science Centre

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Themed events draw Bahraini visitors to learn more about science

Each month, the Bahrain Science Centre in Isa Town develops a different theme for its educational programmes and for October, the theme is ‘Human Body – Healthy Diets’.

A healthy diet is essential for the well-being of people, especially in this age of fast foods, inactive life styles and marketing campaigns that promote the consumption of unhealthy foods and drinks. Healthy diets are an especially important issue in Bahrain as it has high child obesity rates and the incidence of diabetes and heart diseases in children is also high.

Until the mid-seventies, Bahrainis enjoyed a healthy diet based on fresh fish, fresh meat and rice, nuts, fruit and dates that were locally available through the natural food chain. Following the economic boom from the 1980s, a greater variety of foods became available, including processed products that are often less healthy than natural food options.

The increase in child obesity and associated health problems have arisen partly because there is too much choice available and the food supply chain is now dominated by imported and processed food from countries throughout the world.

What you should select to eat or drink is the key question that will be addressed in the educational programmes at the Bahrain Science Centre during October. Discussions, workshops, talks by experts and debates will be held on healthy diet choices and balanced life styles.

“One of the goals of an interactive science centre is to demystify science and make it accessible to the public”, says Professor Mike Bruton, the MTE Studios Director at the Bahrain Science Centre, “We try to provide the public with useful take-home messages about topics that are relevant to their everyday lives”.

“The Ministry of Social Development supports the concept of having a different theme each month in the Bahrain Science Centre, says Khalid Eshaq Alkoheji, Undersecretary for Community Development in the Ministry, “This allows the Science Centre to focus on different aspects of the wide field of science each month”.

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 343 606 31.

– 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.

Weekly science debates initiated at Bahrain Science Centre

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Our science centre is becoming a landmark in Isa Town Bahrain

After the amazing visitor response in the last two months where more than 3500 visitors enjoyed the science, art and craft workshops, Bahrain Science Centre is hosting a series of debates starting this month. Visitors are invited to participate in debates on topics which include marine conservation, nuclear energy, genetically modified food and organic food. With the Marine theme of the month, children and youth can also come and enjoy a talk which will take them through a spectacular journey to meet weird and wonderful creatures that live in the sea.

Getting visitors brains in motion with a series of exciting activities, the Centre will host debates, experiments (‘Experiment of the Week’, in which kids do their own experiments under the supervision of a science teacher), science-themed art activities, static electricity demonstrations, art workshops, MAD Science shows, animal story-telling and science talks. Visitors will be enthralled to experience the ‘Scary Skeletons’ exhibition lead by the team on a torchlight safari at the Centre. Entertaining and exciting activities are offered to develop essential life skills for visitors at the Science Centre, which falls under Bahrain’s Ministry of Social Development.

“Competitive debate is a challenging and highly rewarding activity for most who become involved in it.  The majority of people avoid public speaking, and debates provide a non-threatening environment to develop public speaking skills for the future. The Bahrain Science Centre encourages building these essential life skills in the youth and children”, said Assistant Undersecretary of Community Development, Mr. Khalid Ishaq, from Bahrain’s Ministry of Social Development.

The debates will help to enhance public speaking skills, build friendships among teammates, and develop research and analytical skills, often a characteristic that high-level business professionals possess. It also encourages listening and note-taking skills that help students to learn faster and obtain better grades.

“We are delighted with the enormous success of the Science Centre with over 3500 youths and children visiting in just two months, and we look forward to further successful events in the upcoming months at the Centre”, added Ishaq.

Currently operated and managed by MTE Studios, the Bahrain Science Centre is the first of its kind in the country and all the displays are designed to be educational. Schools in Bahrain started exploring the new Bahrain Science Centre by appointment prior to its official launch with great success since it first opened its doors in late March 2012. School groups are still being formally invited until the Bahrain Science Centre opens officially to children as well as families and adults in early October this year.

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 343 606 31.

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

The Journey of a Drop

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©SusanSmart – It certainly looks like a dramatic fall

If you have been following the London Design Festival 2012, by now you must have heard about the installation by Rolf Sachs at the V&A.

I read with interest how conceptual designer Rolf Sachs presentes a site-specific installation for the V&A’s rarely seen before Henry Cole Staircase. Playfully responding to the museum’s architecture, Sachs creates a visually arresting and emotionally engaging spectacle with the focus on the dramatic drop….from the images, it looks pretty dramatic.

So….emerging from his inherent curiosity and experimental personality, Rolf Sachs invites the observer on a sensory journey. Apparently spectators are drawn into the mysterious performance and a voyage of discovery that beckons the eye upward. From the soaring heights of the atrium, three lab- like instruments individually drop primary coloured ink in measured intervals.

Starting slowly, with scientific precision, each measured drop quickly gains pace. As the speed gathers momentum, the drop becomes more spontaneous in its nature, before falling into the depths and landing into a vast tank of illuminated liquid with unexpected results.

On impact the individual drops explode into the liquid creating organic transient clouds of ever changing shapes and colour. Yet once more taken by surprise, the observer sees these clouds mingle and merge until inexplicably disappearing… until the next show.

Understated at first glance, the seemingly simple notion of a drop falling has been masterfully designed using finely-tuned machinery and specially developed liquids and pigments.

Intended to touch all the senses, the apparent silent sounds of the drops hitting the water is captured by an underwater microphone and amplified like an echo throughout the space.

Encouraging further interaction, binoculars are at hand opposite the tank, to witness the complete journey of the drops from a variety of perspectives, intensifying the connection between the art and the observer. I better not tell NJD as she is dying to use her funky Nikon binoculars for weeks now and this would be such a perfect place to use it.

We know that Rolf Sachs’ work takes inspiration from everyday objects he believes to have soul and character but this is the first time I read carefully about his work.

Perhaps because he moves across art and design, objects, spaces and visual medium, all of which are approached with his playful sense of humour. Or maybe I got drawn because the essence of his work encourages human interaction, and emotional and sensory reactions.

Whatever it is, I love the fact that his ideas, prototypes and creations showcase how he fuses design with the arts.

Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn visits Sultans of Science’ at BITEC

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Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn at the opening ceremony of ‘Sultans of Science’ at “National Science and Technology Fair 2012” in Thailand

Sultans of Science receives over 1.2 million visitors at “National Science and Technology Fair 2012”

Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn graciously presided over the opening ceremony of the UAE exhibition ‘Sultans of Science’ which recently opened at “National Science and Technology Fair 2012”, the nation’s largest exposition on science and technology in Thailand at Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Centre (BITEC). Over 1.2 million people visited the global travelling exhibition ‘Sultans of Science’ also known as ‘Islamic Science Rediscovered’ during its recent showcase in Bangkok which was organized by the National Science Museum – during the 2012 Fair at BITEC.

Also present at the opening were Dr. Plodprasop Suraswadi, Thailand Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Pichai Sonchaeng, President of National Science Museum, Mr. Thanakorn Palachai, Vice President of the National Science Museum and Exhibition creator Ludo Verheyen, CEO of MTE Studios of Dubai U.A.E.

Dr. Pichai Sonchaeng, President from National Science Museum said, “We are delighted with the response, visitors were enthralled and amazed to learn about the achievements and enduring innovations. ‘Sultans of Science’ exhibition reveals to the youths and visitors who are interested in learning about sciences and technologies how the innovations and technologies invented in the Golden age of Islam play an important role in everyday life.”

“The exhibition was a great success at BITEC and we look forward to the grand opening of “Sultans of Science” at National Science Museum soon”, added Sonchaeng.

After the huge success at BITEC which was a soft opening during the “National Science and Technology Fair 2012”,  ‘Sultans of Science’ will open at National Science Museum in Thailand on 11th September to run until mid of November 2012. Currently touring Asia, the exhibition after concluding in Thailand will be hosted in Malaysia at The Petrosains Discovery Science Centre. Making its Asian premiere at the Science Centre Singapore, it has attracted massive response from people of different faiths and religion in the region.

Commenting on the success of the exhibition Ludo Verheyen, CEO, MTE Studios said, “We are honored that our ‘Sultans of Science’ exhibition was hosted at the “National Science and Technology Fair 2012”, nation’s largest exposition on science and technology.” “We are overwhelmed with the enormous success of the exhibition at BITEC where over 1.2 million people visited just in two weeks.

The global travelling exhibition brings one of the world’s most pioneering civilizations to life, an incredible exhibition that boldly underlines the remarkable contributions of Muslim scholars from the Golden Age of Islam (700 – 1700 CE) in science and technology. The display at National Science Museum will surprise the visitors on how thinkers from this era influenced modern medicine, mathematics, astronomy and many more. The dawn of the Islamic Golden Age in the 7th century was profoundly inspired by the instruction to seek and share knowledge.

MTE studios brings this history to life with more than 50 multi-media exhibits highlighting how Muslims worked harmoniously alongside people of different faiths and races across Africa, Asia and Europe. The blockbuster exhibition covers the main fields of Islamic scientific endeavor including architecture, arts, astronomy, engineering, exploration, flight, mathematics, medicine, optics and water control in a beautifully designed on a journey back through time.

‘Sultans of Science’ global tour started with New Jersey and since then, it has enjoyed huge success at various North American venues.

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

Sultans of Science’ to enter the European market with debut in Oslo

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Children interacting with ‘Sultans of Science’ exhibits at a previous venue

MTE Studios signs contract with Norwegian Science Museum

With its European debut in Oslo, UAE’s global travelling exhibition, ‘Sultans of Science’, enters a new market as MTE Studios signs a six-month leasing contract with The Norwegian Museum of Science and Technology in Norway.

With tremendous success in USA, Canada and Asia, MTE Studios is creating a second version of ‘Sultans of Science’ exhibition to meet the demand of venues interested in hosting it. Currently ‘Sultans of Science’ also known as ‘Islamic Science Rediscovered’, entered the Asian continent and will be concluding at Science Centre Singapore before moving on to Thailand, Malaysia and other venues thereafter.

Unveiling scientific achievements of Muslim civilization to European audiences, ‘Sultans of Science’ Exhibition will amaze visitors with scientific breakthroughs of a remarkable Era. The global travelling exhibition will be showcased for six and half months at The Norwegian Museum of Science and Technology

“We are proud to bring this exhibition to Norway and delighted to unfold the knowledge of a great civilization which will be an engaging and educating experience for our visitors. We are excited to be the first venue in Europe for a prestigious exhibition like ‘Sultans of Science’ and are very confident that it will be well received”, said director Hans Weinberger of The Norwegian Museum of Science and Technology.

“‘Sultans of Science’ has attracted record number of visitors at venues across USA, Canada and Asia and are we overwhelmed with the kind of response it has received. Increasing demand from venues has given rise to the second version of the exhibition and we are proud to sign the first contract with Norwegian Science Museum to be the launch pad for the European Continent,” said Ludo Verheyen, CEO of MTE Studios.

The exhibition will reveal the remarkable achievements of Muslim civilization, which helped, pave the way for modern technologies and inventions. European audiences will be amazed to learn about the significant role the Islamic scholars have played in modern science, from astronomy to medicine to engineering to navigation and optics and how these innovations and discoveries have helped in making mankind’s life easier today.

With over 50 interactive, sensory and static exhibits and giant functional replicas that use cutting-edge technology to recreate the ingenuity of a golden age, the global travelling exhibition has been to various venues including New Jersey, South Africa, Toronto, Edmonton, San Jose and Science Centre Singapore. 

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, ‘Sultans of Science’ 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.

Contact Shereen Shabnam on +971507690087 if you would like information to visit the exhibition.

Kids Read with British Council and HSBC

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NJD at the British Council & HSBC Kid’s Read initiative

I have blogged about the importance of reading before but after little diva and I ventured last weekend to the Kids Read initiative by British Council and HSBC Bank Middle East Limited at the Pavilion, I felt like talking about it further.

I first became interested in reading & language arts in the late 90’s and regularly ventured to Singapore to get training in Speech & Drama, Creative Writing and Reading modules at the Juliette McCully Speech Training Centre. It was great fun staying in Orchard Road and going to work every morning with the talented kids in Singapore as well as having awesome colleagues – I have fond memories of my colleague Claire from Australia who was the other expat exploring the country with me during weekends….we both agreed that we enjoyed the reading programmes so much that it didn’t feel like work and she did exchange programmes at our centre in Bangsar Kuala Lumpur making it equally enjoyable.

The Kids Read community event I attended the last week with HSBC and British Council was an interactive event which included storytelling, games and competitions for children. There were also instructional workshops for parents on how to encourage reading in their families as well as hints and tips on how to connect to their children through books. I have a library in every part of my villa, including my bathrooms and I wouldn’t have it any other way….it is awesome to be surrounded by books.

As NJD was way too advanced for the activities at Kids Read initiative, I took the opportunity to talk to the organisers about the programme while little diva indulged in her library book over a carrot cake and milkshake. I love how she voluntarily carries a selection of books every time she leaves the house no matter where we are going. A lot of credit goes to Eric and the fact that he tells her a bedtime story without fail every night so she goes to bed smiling and wants to complete her stories the next day out of curiosity.

According to both Jancis McGrady of British Council and Ammar Shams of HSBC, Kids Read aims to encourage reading for pleasure both inside and outside the classroom among primary school children in the MENA region. Through the joint efforts of the Ministries of Education, HSBC and the British Council, the Kids Read program hopes to reach 25,000 children across 13 countries in the MENA region over 1 academic year.

It is Commendable that HSBC, apart from providing 50 books to each school also get staff to volunteer in the reading programme … It’s a very hands on community event for all parties involved and I’m glad to hear this initiative will continue with new themes each time. I just wish NJD was exposed to these type of initiatives when she was young. Keep an eye out for the next one if you have young kids….its an awesome programme.

NJD gets a certificate…one of many she’s been bringing home recently :)…proud mum!

My favourite picture of Tash reading when she was young

Mike Rutzen at Atlantis – education on Great White Sharks

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With Mike Rutzen & the beautiful Rima at The Lost Chambers, Atlantis

After driving on race tracks, bashing dunes, sky diving and generally doing anything that raises the blood pressure, my next big adrenaline driven adventure will be diving with sharks…..inspired by none other than Michael Rutzen, who is known as one of the few people in the world who free-dives with Great White Sharks and campaigns for their preservation around the world.

Mike is so passionate describing his unique adventures as he travels extensively around the world to create an understanding and respect for this great predator, sharing his knowledge and involving as many people as possible in his conservation battle.  I met Mike at Atlantis, The Lost Chambers as he was with the Atlantis Marine Team who are keen to go to Fiji to experience the awesome dive sites there. (I reckon I have convinced marine conservationist, the beautiful  Rima Jabado to hang out in my flat in Nadi while doing day trips diving near untouched islands – since we have over 330 beautiful islands, it’s a diver’s dream paradise)

Mike Rutzen is sweet, down to earth and if you love the marine world as much as I do being an Island girl, watch Mike’s travels and activities which are extensively documented on TV programmes including ‘Beyond Fear’ with National Geographic, ‘Sharkman’ and ‘Shark Night’ on Discovery Channel, ‘60 Minutes special’  with Anderson Cooper, ‘The Great White Shark’ on CNN and ‘A Living Legend’ on BBC Natural World. Mike has been face to face with one of the greatest predators in the world, with no protection and no fear!

I hope someday I also get to spend some time with Steve Kaiser of the Marine Sciences and Engineering team at Atlantis –  I believe he works hard to provide education to the masses about sharks through a number of activities including the thrilling Shark Dive in the Shark Lagoon at Atlantis. It would also be great to talk more about Rima and her work on marine conservation and I reckon that will be a whole new blog on its own…watch this space.

Guests to the next Lost Chambers ‘Family Fun Day’ will be able to meet Michael Rutzen and hear him speak about Shark Conservation. Other Atlantis activities include special educational sessions with marine animal specialists, interaction with the Atlantis scuba divers, touch and feel marine exhibits, face painting, treasure hunts etc.

You can also meet ‘Shark Man’ Mike face to face as he will describe tales of his adventures diving and protecting sharks around the globe on Saturday. In his talk “The Great White Shark Carcharodon Carcharias – Behaviour and Conservation,” He will tell stories about diving with sharks; his free-diving and behavioural observations; eco-tourism as a winning solution and his research and future projects.

I warn you though…Mike is so passionate about his work, the enthusiasm rubs off on you and like me, you will find yourself navigating the high seas in no time! Thanks to the awesome team at Atlantis who always have interesting activities lined up at The Lost Chambers for kids like little diva @NJD2000, we as adults also end up learning about environment, conservation in a beautiful setting like Atlantis.

I am starting diving courses with Al Boom next month when my traumatised left arm is back in action so I can do the shark dive at Atlantis – super excited. (And no…the arm was not traumatised flipping the car on a race track as all my near and dear ones seem to think). 

‘Sultans of Science’ Asian tour debuts in Singapore

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Children interacting and being hands on with exhibits in Sultans of Science

Asia to discover scientific achievements of Muslim Civilization

The Asian tour of ‘Sultans of Science’, which is MTE Studios, global traveling exhibition will debut in Singapore mid April. Currently ending the first leg of the North American tour, the UAE travelling exhibition will visit Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia beginning in the second quarter of 2012.

Following successful residencies in New Jersey, South Africa, Toronto, Edmonton and San Jose, Science Centre Singapore will be the first Asian venue to host the iconic exhibition also known as ‘Islamic Science Rediscovered’. It will go on to visit National Science Museum in Thailand; Petrosains, The Discovery Centre in Malaysia and other venues across the continent.

As a leading Science Centre promoting science and technology in the region, Science Centre Singapore will reveal scientific achievements of the Muslim Civilisation to students and the community with the opening of ‘Sultans of Science’ exhibition in mid April 2012 for a three-month run. The exhibition explores scientific breakthroughs of a remarkable era, which was one of the greatest in the world.

History text books refer to events when Europe slumbered in a period which is commonly known as the Dark Ages, but few people are aware of the tremendous contributions Muslim scholars made in science and technology during the Golden Age of the Islam (7th – 17th Centuries) which helped pave the way for the European Renaissance.

This civilization thrived on seeking knowledge and led to inventions, innovations, discoveries and prosperity. Its mathematicians invented algebra and algorithms that enabled the development of computers. Its doctors discovered the pulmonary heart circulation, undertook operations with surgical instruments very similar to modern surgical instruments and established efficient public hospitals. Its astronomers observed the heavens, developed astronomical tools to calculate their position on earth and paved the way for satellites and travel in space. Its engineers such as Al-Jazari and Banu Musa brothers laid the foundation of modern engineering and developed ingenious devices such as the first robot.

“This interactive exhibition invites visitors to explore the main fields of Muslim achievements, from mathematics to navigation, astronomy, medicine, instrument making, fine utilitarian technology, engineering, optics, architecture and flight. It will engage people of all ages and backgrounds in experiences that educate, inform, provoke thought, inspire action and understanding across cultures,” said CEO, Ludo Verheyen from MTE Studios.

The Asian venues are excited to showcase this significant exhibition, which has received record number of visitors since its launch and believe in a successful Asian tour allowing visitors to discover and understand how a great civilization created prosperity across large areas from Spain to China. The host venues are delighted and believe that visitors will be fascinated to see numerous inventions brought to life through a diverse range of over 50 interactive, sensory and static exhibits and giant functional replicas that use cutting-edge technology to recreate the ingenuity of a golden age.