Qatar University Young Scientists Center (QUYSC) successfully concluded the ninth cycle of the “I am Discovering Materials” program for preparatory school students in February at Qatar University (QU)'s Research Center, showcasing QUYSC's commitment to fostering scientific curiosity and innovation among the young minds of Qatar.
This program stands out as one of the center's flagship scientific initiatives, offering interactive workshops aligned with the areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) curriculum. Employing active learning strategies, students engage in hands-on activities and scientific experiments to explore the properties of advanced materials and their applications across engineering, physics, chemistry, and other scientific domains. The program aims to foster essential skills such as creative thinking, problem solving, and research skills.
A total of 182 students formed groups, collaborating to develop effective solutions and innovative ideas. The collaborative efforts resulted in projects that not only showcased scientific understanding but also demonstrated a commitment to benefiting both science and society. After initial evaluations, two groups from each school earned the honor of advancing to the final event.
The final event saw the culmination of efforts, with six groups of boys and ten groups of girls competing with their respective project ideas. Scientific posters, crafted during the program workshops, served as visual representations of their innovative concepts. An expert jury meticulously evaluated each project based on novelty, feasibility, scientific understanding, and presentation skills.
During the boys' final event, the “Ibn Sina” group from Abu Obaida Preparatory School for Boys secured first place. In the girls' final event, the Future Scientists Group from Ruqayya Preparatory School for Girls claimed the top spot, while the STEM Innovators Group from Al-Aqsa Preparatory School for Girls secured second place.
Prof. Noora Jabor Al-Thani, Director of QUYSC, emphasized the importance of the progression of materials science and discovering novel practical applications to support Qatar's scientific and knowledge development. She highlighted the role of programs like “I am Discovering Materials” in inspiring student innovation and creativity. Prof. Al-Thani emphasized that each cycle of the program yields a number of constructive ideas, displaying the potential of young minds to drive Qatar's progress and leadership across various fields. By empowering students to tackle challenges and equipping them with the necessary expertise and skills, Qatar ensures progress and prosperity in diverse domains.