Some of the participants in the first STEM programme.
DOHA: Texas A&M University at Qatar concluded the inaugural Engineering Explorers STEM Development Programme at the University’s Engineering Building in Education City.
The event, sponsored by Maersk Oil Qatar, was the first STEM — science, technology, engineering and maths — development programme for young Qataris in Education city, and featured 46 grade 8 and 9 students from independent middle schools.
The programme featured three days of activities that helped strengthen inquiry and intellectual skills. On the final day of the programme, the students worked in groups to design and construct a container or parachute that could keep a raw egg from cracking when dropped from ever-increasing heights. This activity was designed to measure the students’ problem solving abilities through trial and error, and to enrich their scientific knowledge. Students were also able to explore the different materials available and learn how to apply concepts of science such as momentum, impulse, force and energy.
Prizes were presented to the winners by TA&MQ Dean and CEO Mark H Weichold, and Maersk Oil Deputy Managing Director Sheikh Faisal bin Fahad Al Thani.
Winners were Mohamed Eissa Mohamed Al Jiddah, of Ibn Khaldoun Independent Preparatory School for Boys, and Amna Mohamed Eissa Al Mannaie from Al Bayan Independent Preparatory School for Girls.
Weichold said, “Texas A&M at Qatar is proud of its work in Qatar and to inspire new engineers and leaders. The University’s partner, Maersk Oil Qatar, is proud to work and help build Qatar, as well, and is helping us meet Qatar’s demand for engineers through its support of the University’s STEM outreach programmes. Through this engagement with students and teachers, we hope to better prepare students for college and careers as engineers and scientists. Maersk Oil Qatar has been the University’s strongest partner in these efforts, and they work with us to ensure Qatar gets the engineers it needs to fulfil the goals of the Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Qatar National Priorities Research Programme.”
Students were familiarised with the different engineering disciplines offered at TA&MQ. The Peninsula
