Qatar University’s (QU) Al-Bairaq, a program that develops the scientific skills of students in Qatar and encourages them to innovate and join scientific research, started its sixth cycle of the “I am Discovering Material” tracks for elementary and preparatory schools in the Al-Shamal District.
This track is one of four distinct tracks offered by Al-Bairaq, which aims to support Qatar National Vision 2030 by developing the scientific research skills and creative thinking of future generations on the road to a knowledge-based economy.
Mrs. Moza Al-Kubaisi, Principal of Al-Shamal Primary School for Boys, one of the participating schools of the sixth cycle, commented saying, “The Al-Bairaq program has contributed to developing the scientific and applied skills among students and contributed to evolving the talents of distinguished students scientifically. It has also created an educational environment for them to be creative and innovate.”
Mr. Ibrahim Al-Muhannadi, Principal of the Kaabaan Primary School for Boys, said, “The Al-Bairaq Program activates the community partnership between local community institutions, as it contributes to increasing students' awareness and achieving the Qatar National Vision 2030. In this regard, we can only extend thanks and gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of this program including lecturers and supporters of the program.”
Maryam Sultan Al-Hamidi, Principal of Al Daayen Primary Preparatory School for Girls said, “In fulfillment of the vision of the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, and based on societal partnership, the Al Daayen School has been keen to participate in the Al-Bairaq competition. This competition will develop student’s creative skills to solve problems in scientific and thoughtful ways, to create a conscious generation capable of facing future challenges.”
Thirteen schools from the Al-Shamal District will participate in this cycle, which reflects Al-Bairaq’s determination to cover the largest number of schools from inside and outside of Doha. The sixth cycle of the “I am Discovering Materials” track will include various workshops specializing in materials science such as solar cells with organic dyes, food packaging, compound materials, and concrete. Through this cycle, students will conduct scientific experiments to gain knowledge, and then use the acquired knowledge to find innovative solutions to contemporary problems.
Al-Bairaq follows innovative educational methods and techniques such as adopting the STEAM curriculum, which combines science, technology, engineering, mathematics and art, to ignite students' curiosity and develop their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
The cycle will conclude with the Annual Conference for Research and Innovation, which takes place at QU. This conference represents a platform through which students present their innovative ideas to a committee of specialists from different sectors in Qatar. The conference ends by honoring the student’s and their efforts, encouraging them to refine their research capabilities.
President of Al Bairaq and Head of Communication and Outreach at QU, Dr. Noora Jabor Al-Thani commented saying, “Scientific research is important for improving student knowledge, which is why it is necessary to involve students from an early age to ignite their curiosity and stimulate their creativity and innovation.”
Dr. Noora Jabor Al-Thani thanked Al-Bairaq sponsor, the Ras Laffan Social Communication Program as well as program partners UNESCO Office in Doha and Qatar National Commission for Education, Culture and Science.