Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
In a one-of-a-kind summer camp centred on space exploration, UAE’s Louvre Abu Dhabi’s Space Camp, is encouraging children aged 8-12 to partake in its newest exhibition, “Picturing the Cosmos”.
Taking place from July 16 to July 26, 2024, the exhibition aims to foster teamwork, leadership, and decision-making skills that are crucial for space exploration.
Children can engage in creative pursuits such as constructing space rockets, tackling robotics challenges, and creating celestial symphonies.
In partnership with the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) and the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), the camp offers an educational adventure blending science, creativity, and cultural exploration.
Speaking to Aletihad, Sarah Louise Nunn, Head of Education and Public Programming at Louvre Abu Dhabi, said that the programme focuses on space exploration skills through engaging programmes. “It’s really about developing critical and creative thinking,” Nunn said.
Participants delve into research about space from Earth, probing humans’ understanding of the universe.
They will also focus on technical training for the Mars mission, exploring the essential skills required for astronauts.
The focus then shifts to Mars exploration, contemplating life beyond Earth and the challenges astronauts may face on Mars.
The programme wraps up with reflections on returning to Earth and insights gained about life beyond Earth from “Picturing the Cosmos”.
Developing communication skills and fostering relationships are essential aspects of the learning process. As an illustration, the alien hunt activity involves examining galleries for signs of humans, while participants also explore how other cultures use symbols and signs for language.
The programme concludes with a celestial symphony, using musical instruments to potentially communicate with aliens, Nunn said.
“Louvre Abu Dhabi is focused on cultural connections and learning from each other, we are integrating this concept into imaginative play. For instance, children are making connections with otherworldly beings, but they are doing it through music,” she said.
As a collaboration with MBRSC, Nunn said that they conducted workshops on the solar system. UAE astronauts Nora AlMatrooshi and Mohammad Al Mulla shared their training programme with students. Children got acquainted with topics such as space exploration, star formation, gravity, and the number of astronauts.
“This is our inaugural session, and we are planning a winter edition as well. Since we have 53 young astronauts this week, and next week is filling up quickly, the winter camp will focus more on outdoor activities, including physical fitness, training, and communication with aliens.”
