March 24 , 2009

Bethlehem University hosts its 20th Science Fair

By Dema Hilu (BU ’09)

Hypotheses, mitochondria, molecules, hybrid atomistic-continuum formulations, chromosomal aberrations and atrial fibrillations – yes, it’s that time of year again: The annual Bethlehem University Science Fair. 

The world of science is a smorgasbord of delicious words and fascinating ideas and this year Bethlehem University hosted its 20th Science Fair on Friday and Saturday the 6th and 7th of March with a display of many new and exciting scientific achievements. 

Like the 19 previous events, this year’s exhibition was one of a kind. Not only because of the dedicated effort of the students and teachers working to organize it, but also because it saw high levels of participation from the student body and a great sense of solidarity and support was shown by the faculty, staff and administration.

Brother Peter Bray, Bethlehem University’s new Vice Chancellor, encouraged participants and students, listening to them while they discussed their scientific displays, and also getting involved by trying out and examining the various experiments.

“I am very impressed by the details,” he said.  “The students showed a great understanding and were able to explain their experiences.”

The fair was divided into four sections in order to showcase achievements by different Bethlehem University departments: Biology, Chemistry, Information Technology and Physics. 

Hundreds of students attended, including many from schools in Jerusalem.  They were treated to a range of scientific intrigue, including everything from the dissection of rabbits to the creation of shampoo to experimenting with the most modern technology used to assist the blind.

As well as students, the fair was also attended by members of the Bethlehem community, including the Director of the Directorate of Education office in Bethlehem Mr. Abdallah Shakarnah, who said he was impressed by the students’ achievements.   

Hind Dwieb, a senior student and biology major said: “This fair was a great opportunity, it helped me to transfer what I’ve learned in the last four years of my life and share it with other people.

“The importance of this Exhibition is that it has these two main benefits, on both levels, external and internal.”

Mr. Moien Kan’an, professor of molecular genetics and the dean of the science department said: “The main idea of organizing this exhibition is to reach out to people, this exhibition is a good chance for school students to see the knowledge they’ve learned theoretically applied and practiced practically with developed techniques which our schools can’t usually afford.”

He also added: “The students who made these experiments might identify and find themselves in what they are doing by sharing them with other people and it might help them decide on their future career.”