MCIT's winter camps nurture passion for tech in Qatari youth

The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), through Studio 5, has ignited the passion for technology in Qatari youth with its recent Winter Camps activities, a statement said Sunday.The camps were tailored for different age groups, allowing the participants to explore diverse fields and acquire various skills, such as coding, biotechnology and neuroscience using electronics. The activities ensured that every age group benefited from an immersive and age-appropriate learning experience during the winter break.The first camp, designed for 7-10 year-olds, immersed the participants in the basics of electronics using ‘Little Bits’ on day one. On the second day, they delved into block coding using ‘Scratch’, weaving their newfound skills into creating a storytelling project centred on Qatar National Day. The final day explored the virtual reality realm using ‘Cospace’, crafting a virtual environment that envisioned Qatar in 2050.The second camp for 11-14 year-olds unfolded with a deep dive into the world of bacteria by learning how to create a cultured dish and cultivate bacteria using an amino kit and biolab equipment. On the next day, participants used biotech tools to extract DNA from strawberries. The camp concluded with participants showcasing their creativity by constructing a microscope using a foldscope as origami.The third camp, exclusively for 15-18 year-olds, commenced with participants assembling ‘SpikerShield’ kits from ‘Backyard Brains’, understanding their complex functions. On the second day, they focused on programming the microcontroller using script coding, while on the third day, they used the kit to test the EMG signal of muscles.Through this comprehensive schedule, Studio 5 aimed to inspire and empower each age group with problem-solving, critical thinking, creativity and innovation skills, and to foster a love for technology and innovation.To know more about Studio 5 and to stay tuned about the upcoming events and workshops, visit https://www.studio5.