Innovation, critical thinking in focus at Science Camp

The Bio-Education Chapter of the Qatar University (QU) Alumni Association organised the third edition of the Science Camp, bringing together a wide range of students and teachers from various schools, alongside a group of academics and experts.The aim was to encourage innovation, develop critical thinking, and to strengthen problem-solving skills among students, preparing them to actively contribute to Qatar’s future as a leading knowledge-based society.In her welcome address, Dr Wardh Garab, president of the Bio-Education Chapter at QU Alumni, said: "These young minds are the cornerstone of an exceptional scientific and societal community based on knowledge. This camp marks a new journey toward a bright future, and we are confident that your efforts and creativity will be foundational in building our beloved nation.”Fatima Khamis, a graduate of QU, shared her own inspiring experience in education, saying: "My journey in education was rich with lessons and values that shaped my path. Growing up, I watched scientific films that served as a window into a world of knowledge. Without realising it, I was absorbing the direction I wanted to pursue. These films formed my foundational passion for science. Later, I found that education was not merely a tool to transfer information but a journey to build an aware and capable generation ready to tackle challenges. I learned that true success lies in the ability to apply knowledge to solve problems and achieve goals.”Samira Ahmed al-Siddiqi, a specialist in detecting forgery and counterfeiting, delivered an awareness lecture. She emphasised the importance of her field and its impact on society, saying: "Forgery and counterfeiting science is one of the important disciplines not taught in universities but acquired through hands-on experience. Through my work in this field, I have come to realise the vital role of science in revealing the truth and protecting society from fraud and risks.”The camp featured a range of specialised science labs, providing students with hands-on experiences that deepened their understanding of scientific concepts and strengthened their analytical and critical skills. Maryam al-Ghadban, vice-president of the Education Committee for the Bio-Education Chapter, spoke about the role of these labs."In the chemistry analysis lab, our students have the opportunity to interact with and examine chemical materials in a realistic scientific setting. Through these experiments, they explore the mechanisms of analysing and breaking down substances, comparing real and lab blood samples, and distinguishing between safe and harmful materials. This experience provides them with critical thinking foundations and empowers them to face life’s challenges with greater awareness. This hands-on experiment is a key step in deepening concepts of applied science and fostering a spirit of discovery among our students.”Mona al-Yahari, head of the Technology Education Committee and a chapter member, highlighted the camp’s role in enhancing critical thinking. "The main objective of the Science Camp is to develop students’ critical, analytical and creative thinking skills, guiding them to address scientific problems using evidence and experimentation. This year, we emphasised environmental and sustainable development issues as part of our lab activities to introduce students to values like zero hunger and promoting healthy lives. Each lab reflects a sustainable development value, representing a step toward raising students’ awareness of their responsibilities toward society and the environment. We believe that these scientific activities cultivate a love for learning and motivate students to continue innovating and pursuing scientific research.”Sara al-Noobi, a member of the Bio-Education Chapter and a teacher at Rawda Bint Mohammed Secondary School for Girls, said the Science Camp has presented a unique educational experience every time she joined."The camp is not just educational activities; it is an exceptional scientific journey that blends knowledge with hands-on experiences, showing us the passion and curiosity of students as they challenge themselves and uncover the secrets of science on their own."This year, I focused on the tissue analysis lab, where students learn how to analyse various tissues and recognise their components, including differentiating between synthetic and organic hair and identifying types of fibres. This experience grants students real insight into scientific applications, enabling them to truly understand the importance of forensic science and accurate analysis, especially in simulating real-life scenarios like crime scene analysis.”In an effort to foster analytical skills and environmental awareness among youth, under the theme ‘Crime Solving’, the students engaged in a dynamic exploration of cases such as gift theft, laboratory security breaches, and marine pollution. They worked collaboratively to solve mysteries, unravelling clues that promoted teamwork and problem-solving.The camp featured a range of activities, from theatrical performances and creative challenges, such as the ‘Guardians of the Seas’ initiative, to talent competitions addressing cyberbullying, with awards presented to standout teams. There were workshops on critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and sustainability awareness, empowering participants with the skills needed to drive positive and sustainable change as future scientific leaders.In the closing ceremony, Dr Garab honoured the sponsors, especially Al Meera Consumer Goods Company and thanked the alumni association members and all institutional partners for their generous support.