La Brea Science Week (March 17-23, 2003)

With the support of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Tertiary Education, NIHERST successfully staged its first, in a series of Community Science Weeks, in La Brea during March 17th to 23rd, 2003. Close to two thousand students, teachers, and residents were treated to seven fun-filled days of activities that aimed to bring the community more in touch and at home with Science and Technology. 

The NCG Booth A most popular exhibit with students

Residents of La Brea embraced the event and provided positive feedback on the exhibits and attractions that were staged at venues in the community. Visitors were treated to a diverse line up of activities, from exhibits to stimulating workshops, evening lectures and entertainment, all designed to provide residents with an opportunity to explore and unravel the Science and Technology that pervades different facets of their lives.

A huge hit for many were the science demonstrations performed by staff of the NIHERST/NGC National Science Centre. Demonstrations on “burning water” and “sticky paper” explained complex scientific principles such as air pressure and fluid dynamics in a manner that left students amazed at the seemingly magical nature of science. 

The Planetarium was a popular exhibit with visitors, with its exciting tales of constellations taken from Greek mythology. On exiting the show, one nine year old beaming with pride from the possession of ancient secrets, boasted to his waiting parent that he knew where to locate in the night’s sky Orion and other constellations from Greek mythology. 

Mrs Baidi Permanand addresses Teachers at the workshop on Teaching Methods

The one-day workshops on creativity and action toys provided a fascinating experience for students as they brought to life the application of the concepts of force, flight, and creative thinking techniques among other things. 

Central to the planning of the La Brea Science Week was the desire to foster a greater sense of both self and community pride among residents. This goal was achieved, in part, through the incorporation of opportunities for the residents to actively participate in the Science Week’s programme via competitions for students, a community lecture forum, a special video series, a cultural programme, and much more. 

Related Links   Overview   Cedros Science Week, Nov 2008   NSC Cops Service Excellence Award   Tobago Science Week, May 2007   Moruga Science Week, April-May 2007   Point Fortin Science Week, Feb-Mar 2005   Mayaro Science Week, Apr-May 2004   Tobago Science Week, Oct-Nov 2003   Toco Science Week, June 2003   La Brea Science Week, March 2003

The community forums entitled Let’s Talk aimed to facilitate dialogue between the public and the local scientists on contemporary issues in Science and Technology of concern and interest to the community as well as those with global ramifications. There were enlightening discussions for example between residents and guest speaker Nigel Austin from the University of the West Indies, Faculty of Life Sciences & Agriculture. His topic “Truths, Half-Truths and Myths about Genetically Modified Foods” dispelled myths and shed light on this controversial issue that sparks intense debate world-wide. 

Another presenter Mr. Ivan Churaman of the Biodynamic Association of Trinidad and Tobago touched on non-chemical approaches to the treatment of weeds, pests and diseases in agriculture, during his presentation on the “Benefits of Organic farming”. Gauging the nods from the audience, one could conclude that Mr. Churaman’s examples of natural methods to repel garden pests validated residents’ own empirical and traditional knowledge on these issues. A presentation by Ms. Dolly Nicholas, scientist and inventor, on “Unmasking the Secrets of the La Brea Pitch Lake” proved to be very informative. Ms. Nicholas sparked the interest of residents when she elaborated on the chemical properties of local asphalt and the business opportunities it presented for the enterprising entrepreneur. 

A young performer receives a special prize for her outstanding vocal rendition at the Jam Session

The Poster and Essay Competition for primary and secondary students provided another opportunity for total community involvement in the Science Week’s programme. Students were required to write a 500-word essay or develop a poster on the theme “La Brea In the World 2020. Over 65 students from La Brea R.C. Primary School, Vance River R.C. Primary School, Rousillac Presbyterian Primary School and Vessigny Government Secondary School took part in the competition. In the Essay Competition, Melissa Henry of La Brea R.C. Primary School took home first prize in the 9-11 age category, while Joshua Dookie of Vessigny Government Secondary was the first prize winner in the 12 to 15 age category. For the poster competition, Amelia Katwaroo and Aneillio Brazzier of Rousillac Presbyterian School and Vance River R.C. School respectively, received special prizes in the 9-11 age category. Shinelle Rambert, Heidi Dookhan, Navinda Jagassar and Anton Singh, all of Vessigny Government Secondary School, were the special prizewinners of the Poster Competition in the 12-15 age category. 

Special to the La Brea Community Science Week were the entertainment features. The “Open Mike” Jam Session on Friday 21st afforded students an opportunity to showcase their talent in the performing arts. Students and guests alike were visibly moved and impressed with the talent and professionalism rendered by the performing students in the areas of dance, traditional kaiso, extempo and gospel music. Although all participants deserve special mention, some performers from the community are destined for a bright future in the local entertainment industry. Outstanding performances were rendered by the Darius sisters and young NYAC competition winner K. Ross. 

Local performer Sheldon Blackman takes time to pose with a young fan at the Open Mike Jam Session

Special guest performances by Jamoo artiste Sheldon Blackman and renowned local percussionist Tamba Gwindi brought the Jam Session to a close. Earlier that day, Tamba Gwindi stimulated youngsters with his “Sounds of Music” workshop, which touched on the musicology of drumming. Gawandi shared his knowledge on the historical development and importance of drumming to different cultures and illustrated how materials and shape can affect the vibrations and hence the sound produced from a drum when struck. 

Weekend festivities included a lively, thought provoking performance on HIV/AIDS done by RAPPORT, and spirited performances from Culture Imani Expressions and the PETROTRIN Tassa Group. Harmonic renditions by Patsy John, and gospelypso sensation Radiance were also well received by the audience.

As the La Brea Science Week has come to an end, NIHERST wishes to thank all exhibitors, sponsors and community stakeholders for their support and contribution to the success of the exhibition. We also extend special thanks to the National Gas Company for its outstanding display on energy and its sponsorship of a shuttle service for visitors. Most importantly we thank the residents of La Brea for their support and enthusiastic participation in our first ever Community Science Week.