A tiny tot walked up to the workshop trainer with an inflated balloon as the other participants and his proud parents applauded loudly and happily. This excited child was getting his first lesson in chemical experiments at one of the morning workshops designed for children, which along with an abundance of other cultural and educational activities, have put the 40th Sharjah International Book Fair’s exciting show on the road today (Wednesday).
Titled Chemical Reaction Activity, and led by Fun Robotics, the workshop targeted young science enthusiasts up to 10 years of age. The experiment in question demonstrated how baking soda generates carbon dioxide. For that, the children were asked to put the chemical in a bottle, close it with a balloon and then watch the balloon inflate.
Omar Al Zuabi, Technical trainer from Dubai-based Fun Robotics, explained that he first gave an overview of Chemistry and chemical reactions to the young ones. Then, he went on to show some examples by mixing colours, since they are comparable to mixing chemicals.
The next experiment was done using baking soda, vinegar and food colouring, which foamed out weaving bright patterns of red and blue on the white powder surface. The children were also made to guess words related to reaction in a custom game and fill in the blanks on the screen.
Visitors and guests need to abide the strict health and safety protocols that have been put in place by the organisers of SIBF 2021.