ABU DHABI // Pupils are fired up for a workshop offering them insights on how to come up with DNA experiments which could be sent into space.
Taking place in the capital on Monday, the day-long seminar is offering pupils and teachers hands-on instruction on conducting DNA experiments designed for micro-gravity and entering Genes in Space, a competition that offers pupils the opportunity to see their ideas tested on the International Space Station by astronauts.
The competition, organised by the UAE Space Agency, The National and Boeing, gives pupils from Years 7 to 12 an opportunity to design an experiment that addresses real challenges in space exploration and involves biology in zero gravity.
“It’s the best of both worlds,” said Ebani Dhawan of Jumeirah College in Dubai who signed up the moment she found out about the competition.
The 15-year-old said being able to learn more about two of her favourite topics, DNA and space, as well as fusing them was a chance not to be missed.
Ebani’s curiosity in DNA was piqued when she discovered it played a significant role in human psychological traits, a topic she hopes to apply in her experiment for the contest.
“If we want to send astronauts on long-term missions we need to know how we can sustain them mentally,” she said.
Another pupil taking part said the most appealing aspect of the seminar was being able to use the same cutting edge technology the astronauts used.
The seminar will give attendees a chance to use the miniPCR – a portable DNA lab that can carry out molecular biology, genetics and biological engineering experiments – with the co-founders of the machine supervising the workshop.
“Being able to use the same machine used in space during the workshop is a great opportunity,” said Aditya Rathi, 16.
“And having the possibility to get your experiment onto the International Space Station and becoming one of the pioneers in the field is incredible motivation for us.”
The Dubai International Academy pupil who intends to study Aerospace Engineering, said with the UAE focusing on growing its space industry it was a great time to enter the field.
“When I talk to my friends I’m really surprised when they say they are not interested in space.
“We have explored almost everything here on Earth but space is vastly unexplored,” he said.
Aditya said more pupils needed to take advantage of such workshops which could create the spark for their interest in the sector.
“We can’t stop at our mission to Mars, that was the vision of our previous generation.
“We need to look beyond this.”
Spaces for the free workshop are open to all high-school teachers and pupils but, because they are limited, those interested in attending are asked to email their name, position, school and city to genesinspace@thenational.ae.
tsubaihi@thenational.ae
Calling UAE high school science teachers! Take part in our Genes in Space workshop! More details on Genes in Space is available at our website: http://www.genesinspace.org/
Posted by The National on Monday, August 1, 2016
More information about the competition can be found by following
#theuaespacestory
on Twitter or by visiting
[ thenational.ae/uae/genes-in-space ]
and
[ genesinspace.org/contest-uae ]
.
