Women in Engineering - IEEE Dubai Chapter Translates ZOOM Into Engineering Projects

About two months ago, our chapter in the United Arab Emirates had an outreach event during Dubai Summer Surprises. They had an exhibition for about two weeks. One of the activities in their exhibition was the showing of the ZOOM Into Engineering video. They placed all the project materials on a table in front of the TV and kids helped themselves. The chapter plans to use the translated project sheets when they approach the Ministry of Education for support in future activities.

The following is a report from the event organizer, a recent engineering graduate and member of IEEE - WIE.

WIE and Captain Hamad Science Corner
By Hanan Ishaq,ZayedUniversity

Dubai Summer Surprises can be described as The Summer Capital of Fun. It unfolds weekly surprises from June to August under different themes. IEEE WIE Affinity Group United Arab Emirates (UAE) Section took a part in the cartoon surprises, organized by Dubai Ports Authority. The event targeted young children up to 13 years old.

We had the chance to exhibit in the science section at the Captain Hamad Cartoon City from July 8 to 23, located at the Dubai WorldTradeCenter. This activity was sponsored by IEEE - UAE Section and Al Wakeel School Supplies (AWSL). Mr. Eisa Al- Suaidi, owner of AWSL, supplied teaching materials, equipment and accessories such as PCs, projectors, science kits, and conference accessories. Zayed University - Dubai Branch supported the activities by providing an event staff. Hanan Ishaq, a recent graduate from Zayed University, was selected to staff the event.

Maryam Al Thani, Chair of WIE United Arab Emirates Chapter, said. “The start of engineering, and science, is problem solving”. Children had a lot of fun playing the various scientific games, puzzles and Lego and were challenged to do some hands on activities from the ZOOM Into Engineering video showings.

Everyone involved in the months of preparation agreed that it was well worth it when they noticed the children spent long hours at the Science Corner. Feedback from the children and their families was very positive.