NIHERST: Cedros Science Week

The communities of southwest Trinidad gave a warm welcome to the NIHERST/NGC National Science Centre (NSC) in the Cedros Community Science Week, which was held from November 10th - 14th 2008. Hosted at the Cedros Composite School, this popular NSC outreach project was well-received by its patrons.

At the formal Opening Ceremony, the Hon. Paula Gopee-Scoon, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Parliamentary Representative for Point Fortin, delivered the Feature Address. Also delivering remarks were Principal and Acting Vice-Principal of the host school, Mr. Inshan Ali and Ms. Stephanie Ramsaran, respectively and Ms. Althea Maund, Science Advisor at NSC.

Inter-Caribbean Children’s Ministries entertained the audience with their team of puppets and later staged a skit with an environmental theme for primary school students.

Cedros, Coromandel and Icacos community stakeholders set the agenda for topics that were covered at the Science Week. Among the areas of focus were: revival of the cocoa industry, erosion of the Icacos coastline, understanding the local energy industry and health. Teachers requested activities that could encourage students to continue studies in science.

NSC provided a mix of exhibits, activities, workshops and a career day programme to meet these needs. Fourth and Fifth Form science students of the host school worked alongside staff as science explainers thereby gaining beneficial work experience.

Attractions included hands-on exhibits and models of different systems in our body, healthy and smoke-affected lungs, a computer-based quiz and information on diseases, interactive displays on energy and the ever-popular Planetarium with its shows on the night sky. A laboratory area provided activities on electrical circuits, gears, and mangrove swamp ecosystems among other science topics.

In Kidiplay, children aged seven years and under engaged in activities on ‘Our Environment’. They enjoyed dramatic science storytelling on Thursday by NSC Librarian, Ms. Karen Ross. Fun science demonstrations were also held throughout the week in the school’s courtyard.

Clear skies on Tuesday night allowed 100+ community members to participate in an astronomy exercise on the school grounds where they viewed the moon, Jupiter and its moons, and several constellations. Enthusiastic feedback prompted discussions on starting an astronomy programme in Cedros in the near future.

Workshops were hosted on topics from the Standard 2 and Standard 4 Primary Science Syllabus during the week. Students from the Cedros A.C. and Icacos Government Primary Schools took part in “Bubble Up!”, a workshop on the concept of ‘soft’ and ‘hard’ water.

Cedros Government Primary School students undertook the “Solutes, Solvents and Solutions” workshop which explained what makes up a solution. The workshop also featured a skit at the end of the exercise. NIHERST is hopeful that exposure to these exercises will assist students in the Science National Test.

Robotics activities led by the Innovation Unit gained excited responses from visitors. Students saw technology at work in robotic arms and robots fitted with sensors that responded to movement, light and sound.

Matters of local interest were presented in two lectures. On Tuesday, Dr. Ivan Chang-Yen of the Chemistry Department, University of the West Indies presented “Putting science to work for cocoa in T&T”. His talk highlighted the value of cocoa and its products and the role that science played in improving these.

On Thursday, Ms Lori Lee Lum and Mr. Sunil Ramnath of the Institute of Marine Affairs presented information on the programmes of the Institute and the causes of erosion at the Icacos coastline.

Wednesday’s Career Day saw much visitor attention paid to presentations by members of the Protective Services. Police Officers allowed students to wear bullet-proof vests and uniforms and learn about the application of science in this career. Some visitors undertook the challenge of running with a fire hose and received an inside view of the rigours of a Fire Officer’s job.

The Trinidad and Tobago Coast Guard supplied information on the seamen ranks and details of training programmes against a backdrop of colourful sailing flags, while academic training opportunities were presented by The University of Trinidad and Tobago and the College of Science, Technology and Applied Arts of Trinidad and Tobago.

Several partners hosted booths which communicated the science aspects of their companies. British Gas, a regular Science Week partner, brought a fun quiz on natural gas. Solid Waste Management Company Limited educated on reducing pollution and the Water and Sewerage Authority addressed the topics of winning water, saving water and water’s value to daily life.

The Cocoa and Coffee Industry Board (CCIB) distributed cocoa moulded into the shape of cocoa pods - the ‘Food of the Gods’. This product is used to make ‘creole chocolate’- a local hot beverage. Their booth displayed a model cocoa house - a structure used in drying cocoa beans, more commonly seen in country districts. With the Agricultural Society of Trinidad and Tobago, CCIB generously donated cocoa pickers each worth $10,000 to two cocoa farmers from the community.

The Ministry of Agriculture (Forestry Division) shared information on the Cedros and Moruga grasshoppers and outlined control practices for reducing the impact of these agricultural pests. Their display of a simple hydroponic system – a method of growing plants that uses a water system to supply plant food - also attracted attention.

The Agricultural Development Bank quizzed visitors on the Bank’s products and informed farmers about loan packages. On social issues, the Ministry of Social Development advised on solving disputes through non-violence, while the National Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Programme provided information on the ills of drug abuse.

At the end of the week, the NSC team felt encouraged by the positive response of the community. A visitor feedback exercise revealed that most enjoyed the Week and learned more about science, its application and relevance to everyday life.

Follow-up activities have begun with the community, in continuation of the science popularization process. NIHERST thanks all partners for their help in demystifying science during Cedros Community Science Week and extends special thanks to the enthusiastic host community.

Cedros Community Science Week (November 10th - 14th, 2008)