MUSCAT, NOV 8
The Knowledge Bridges pavilion at the Oman Science Festival is offering visitors an opportunity to explore international scientific experiences through interactive programmes presented by educational institutions and specialised organisations from around the world.
Six institutions representing Switzerland, Greece, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Malaysia and South Korea are participating in the pavilion, showcasing activities across a range of disciplines, including mathematics, robotics, space science, sustainability and mixed reality.
The international participation highlights the growing importance of cooperation in science education, providing a platform for knowledge exchange and introducing young people to emerging developments in science and technology.
Among the participants, Malaysia's National Centre for Gifted Education is presenting interactive activities that combine entertainment with scientific discovery. These include water music, chemical reactions, mathematical challenges, tiling art and digital games.
The activities encourage visitors to explore scientific principles through observation, experimentation and hands-on learning.
The water music experience demonstrates the relationship between sound and water, while chemical activities allow participants to observe reactions and understand basic scientific concepts through practical demonstrations.
Mathematical challenges and tiling activities promote logical thinking, pattern recognition and problem-solving skills, showing how mathematics can be taught creatively beyond conventional classroom settings. Digital games, meanwhile, demonstrate the potential of technology to make learning more engaging and interactive.
Kuwait is also participating through an educational institution that offers visitors an introduction to several scientific disciplines, including biology, physics, mathematics, space science, astronomy and robotics.
The activities highlight the interconnected nature of scientific knowledge while encouraging curiosity, analytical thinking and creativity. By bringing different disciplines together, the programme seeks to help young learners develop a broader understanding of the world around them.
The UAE is represented by the Quarter Century Centre for Science and Technology, which is showcasing its 'Quarter Century Laboratory' experience.
The laboratory takes visitors through various scientific and technological concepts, beginning with physics and chemistry before moving on to programming, robotics and sensor-based technologies.
A major focus is the application of scientific knowledge to real-world challenges, particularly in sustainability and environmental protection. Interactive demonstrations introduce visitors to how programming, intelligent sensors and robotics can contribute to environmental solutions and sustainable practices.
The experience also underlines the importance of equipping younger generations with practical technological skills and encouraging them to develop innovative solutions to contemporary challenges.
Another highlight of the international programme is 'Wonders of the Universe', organised in collaboration with the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN).
The programme brings together scientists and specialists to discuss a range of scientific subjects, offering participants insights into particle physics, astronomy and gravitational waves.
Through discussions and specialised presentations, students and visitors gain an opportunity to explore some of the most fascinating areas of contemporary scientific research and understand discoveries that continue to shape our knowledge of the universe.
The collaboration also highlights the importance of connecting students with international scientific institutions and introducing them to research fields that are expanding the boundaries of human knowledge.
Beyond interactive activities and scientific presentations, the Oman Science Festival aims to help students identify their interests and explore future academic and professional opportunities in science and technology.
The festival introduces young people to specialised disciplines, the academic pathways associated with them and potential career opportunities in emerging fields.
By engaging directly with experiments, technologies and experts, students can better understand their abilities and interests while developing the confidence to consider careers in science, engineering, technology and innovation.
For many young visitors, the Knowledge Bridges pavilion offers more than an opportunity to watch scientific demonstrations. It provides a space to ask questions, test ideas, interact with technology and discover how scientific principles are applied in everyday life.
Sarag al Radi, a visitor to the pavilion, said the diversity of activities and the practical presentation of scientific concepts were particularly impressive.
"Instead of simply reading about scientific principles, visitors can actually see how they work and participate in the experiments. This makes learning more enjoyable and helps information stay with us," she said.
Another visitor, Mohammed al Maamari, highlighted the importance of introducing children and young people to modern technologies through interactive educational activities.
"The Knowledge Bridges pavilion provides a valuable opportunity to explore scientific experiences from different countries. I was particularly interested in the robotics, programming and sustainability activities, as they demonstrate how science and technology can be applied in everyday life," he said.
"Such experiences can inspire children and young people to learn more, develop their skills and think creatively."
The participation of institutions from different countries reinforces the festival's role as a platform for scientific exchange, bringing together diverse educational approaches and international expertise.
Through interactive experiments, specialised programmes and opportunities to engage with scientific developments, the Knowledge Bridges pavilion is helping young visitors discover the relevance of science beyond traditional classroom learning and encouraging them to think critically, explore new ideas and prepare for an innovation-driven future.
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