The largest science fair in the region opened its doors to students at this year's Think Science Fair. Encouraging school students to think out of the box and showcase innovative ideas, the fair is organised every year by Emirates Foundation.

Rawan Hussam and Rebal Islam from Sharjah's Al Noor International School were among the students participating at this year's show. They had created a unique device to track elderly people while they go out on their daily walk.

"We all have heard and seen of medical emergencies with elderly people who aren't able to call for attention in time when they are alone. Our idea is to create a jacket with an emergency button which is connected to GPS and alerts a family member on his mobile device,” said Rebal.

Improvising on existing technologies and adapting it to unique challenges faced by the people of UAE, science projects at the fair showcase ingenuity and thought. The life-saving vest also warns family members if an elderly person goes outside the residential neighborhood during a walk.

"It took us a month to take the project from idea to execution. Being at such science fairs allows us to see what other students like us think and do,” said Rawan Hussam.

Fadwa Aljabri, Mathla Alseyabi and Jawaher Alhosani were busy showcasing the benefits of camel milk as an aid to control drug abuse. The group had conducted research with the help of university professors to come up with a hypothesis exploring the link between anesthesia and camel milk.

Launched in September 2012, Think Science is an interactive programme aimed at sparking an interest in science among the Emirati youth. Targeted towards young people between the ages of 15 and 24, it aims to inspire, encourage and empower Emirati youth to follow their passion for science with interactive, hands-on activities in the fields of engineering, energy, aviation and other technological industries.

Clare Woodcraft-Scott, CEO of Emirates Foundation said, "This year's fair will feature some of the UAE's most promising scientific talent who will have the unique chance to connect with leading private sector companies and institutions specialised in the fields of science and technology. We look forward to welcoming a wide selection of budding scientists to attend what promises to be a highly educational and informative event.”

More than 200 projects representing the work of 550 Emirati youth are displayed at the fair, which aims to encourage UAE youth from public and private schools and universities to participate in an innovative national level science competition. The participating projects have been entered in the competition under the guidance of 160 mentors and supervisors from educational institutions across the UAE.

This year's event, which will be on until May 7 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, was officially inaugurated by Shaikh Dhiab bin Mohammed bin Zayed, Board Member of Emirates Foundation, who welcomed students and participants to the fair.
Source: Khaleej Times