March 11, 2008

Science Fair Attracts Over One Thousand

Bethlehem University 's Faculty of Science 26 th Annual Science Fair drew 1,500 visitors from Bethlehem , Jerusalem , Hebron and other parts of the West Bank . At 9 a.m. on Friday, March 7 th , visitors, including many high school and university students, flocked to the Science Building to view experiments ranging from how to differentiate between beneficial and harmful bacteria to the use of computers to calculate genetic algorithms to the different types of flesh-eating plants.

Zaid Qumsieh, a third year biology major, conducted an experiment to show the effects of antibiotics on different species of bacteria to determine how they can be used to prevent disease. “Ultimately, I participated in the Science Fair to show others the simple ways in which science can benefit human health”, he said, referring to the common perception that the study of science is reserved only for select people.

The two day Fair, which showcased the work of approximately 300 Bethlehem University students in the fields of physics, mathematics, chemistry, biology and IT, was intended as an outreach activity to address the shortage of training in this area in Palestine 's high school education system. It has also helped to strengthen relations between high schools and Bethlehem University , attract more students to the Faculty of Science, and familiarize students with the academic standards of the University.

Mazen El Laham, Director of Education for the Bethlehem District, expressed his interest in the use of games as educational tools. “No matter what”, he said, “the most important thing is to encourage young people to think, create, and to do something they desire”. Mahmoud Ramadan, supervisor of the biology curriculum in the West Bank , Hassan Hamamreh, supervisor of the chemistry curriculum and Raed Ahmed, supervisor of the physics curriculum, accompanied Mr. Laham on his visit.

The Al Awda High School for Girls, which brought 200 of their students to the Fair and offered a bouquet of flowers in gratitude for the Faculty's hard work. “Your Fair is something new for our students and gives them the unique opportunity to think and see outside their experience so far”, said one teacher from the high school.

“They learn through practice”, Professor Adnan Shqueir, Chairperson of the Department of Life Sciences and a founder of the Science Fair, said, emphasizing the importance of this event as an educational tool for their students. “They learn how to speak to a group of people about their work, how to make experiments and explain them to an outside audience, and how to answer tough questions”. The Faculty of Science has been deeply committed to giving young people, particularly high school students, an opportunity to explore their skills and capabilities in the fields of science and technology in an effort to educate, encourage and inspire.