JEDDAH, 4 June — Last Wednesday, I was prepared to nod with enthusiasm, pretend to be interested and smile at projects which I planned to spend no more than 30 seconds viewing at a local school science fair. To my delight and surprise I was enthused, interested and found it very difficult to leave the project stands where students so professionally lectured on subjects they chose to explore from their hearts.
The Annual Dar Jana International School Science Fair in Jeddah last Wednesday, was more than an outstanding success: it was inspirational. When a six-year-old told me why it is so important that people respect and take care of their environment and not to pollute, I was impressed.
When two seventh graders explained to me and many other attendees the process of photosynthesis in a manner any university would be proud of — even when I asked them tough questions to which I didn’t expect answers — I was dumbfounded and answered with calm confidence.
The science fair took place at the school. All classrooms at grade levels one through nine participated enthusiastically in scientific inquiry with exemplary presentations given to an attentive audience. The investigations were science activities already being explored in the classroom.
The science fair projects and exhibits were based on academic work covered throughout the year.
Students, parents and guests visited the projects to hear and, in some cases, participate in the exhibitions. Scientific themes included water cycles, pollution, sustainable development, solar system, photosynthesis, gravity and diseases such as cancer.
Students of all ages were excited to continue exploring science during and after the fair. Younger students wanted to learn about upper-grade activities, and vice versa.
The children’s excitement was contagious and in turn engaged their families in the explorations. One proud parent beamed as she said, "It’s the first time I have seen something so educational."
Schools which encourage children to learn through participation and experimentation should be commended. Students learn that it is afterall fun to learn and their sense of pride and accomplishment is carried over beyond the ordinary school day. Memorization gives way to participation and obligation gives way to inspiration.
