(MENAFN- Gulf Times) Texas A&M University at Qatar (TAMU-Q) and Maersk Oil Qatar have launched a strategic initiative to excite young Qataris about studying mathematics and science to prepare them for careers in Qatar's knowledge-based economy.
The Young Engineers and Scientists programme, sponsored by Maersk Oil Qatar, targets Qatari students in grades 5 and 6 and provides enrichment programmes through which students learn about science while solving engineering design challenges, said Dr Hamid Parsaei, director of academic outreach at TAMU-Q.
"Research indicates that we must begin working with students at younger ages to stimulate their interest in science, math and engineering," Parsaei said. "Through our partnership with Maersk Oil Qatar, we are engaging some of our best faculty and lab staff to reach out to young Qataris in an effort to spark their curiosity."
Parsaei said a trial of the programme in November 2014 was successful, and teachers reported that their students enjoyed and learned from the experiments they conducted. In March, TAMU-Q hosted more than 130 Qatari students from 9 schools across Qatar, and additional programmes scheduled for the next two months will bring the total to more than 400 Qatari students.
Sheikh Faisal bin Fahad al-Thani, deputy managing director of Maersk Oil Qatar, said the company recognises the significance of nurturing and developing interest in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, which are known as 'Stem' disciplines.
"Through initiatives such as this, we are working to attract and inspire the next generation to follow a technical educational track that can lead to successful and rewarding careers in industries like oil and gas," Sheikh Faisal said. "And this programme's unique format means that the students gain experience in a broad range of engineering disciplines in a fun and practical way, helping them to develop new knowledge and skills that will inspire a lifetime's passion for the sciences."
The one-day programmes were organised and led by Dr Mazen Saghir, associate professor of electrical engineering, and Benjamin Cieslinski, science laboratory manager. Students worked on two experiments on magnets and solar heating.
Parsaei said the Young Engineers and Scientists programme will help put young Qataris on educational pathways for science, technology, engineering and math, and that will enhance future efforts to develop those students.
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