Masdar Institute's UAE national students find projects at Taaleem Science Fair highly innovative

Abu Dhabi, May 13, 2013 (WAM) - Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, an independent, research-driven graduate-level university focused on advanced energy and sustainable technologies, yesterday announced its three student judges found the participating projects at the first-ever Taaleem Science Fair highly creative and innovative in sustainability and green energy. The three are additionally members of the Young Future Energy Leaders (YFEL) program, a Masdar Institute outreach initiative. The first Taaleem Science Fair held on 1 May at the American Academy in Al-Mizhar, Dubai, attracted 43 participants. Students spanning ages 11-15 years in elementary and middle school were grouped by grades from Grade 6 to and Grade 9. The high school students in Grade 10 and above competed in either the High School Life Science or High School Physical Science categories. YFEL members Mohammed Al Sharhan, Sultan Al Awadhi and Reem Al Junaibi - Master's students and research assistants in Engineering Systems and Management at Masdar Institute, were the three judges. They used a rubric to assess the projects in areas such as the quality of a testable scientific question, choosing measurable ways to test their question, and their ability to evaluate their data accurately and appropriately. Each was assessed for the strength of creativity and younger students were enquired the about the concept behind their presentation. Most of the projects focused on clean energy and sustainability, offering the Masdar Institute students a glimpse into the minds of the children and their awareness about energy conservation and preservation of natural resources. They spent five-to-10 minutes meeting with each student individually about their projects. Each YFEL participant reviewed approximately five projects alongside a partner judge Dr Fred Moavenzadeh, President, Masdar Institute. – Emirates News Agency, WAM