NIHERST: Sci-TechKnoFest 2002 - Celebrating Our Connectivity

Considered a leader in the Caribbean in science popularisation, Trinidad and Tobago recently concluded Sci-TechKnoFest 2002, its unique 10-day celebration of knowledge of science and technology. According to NIHERST (National Institute for Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology), the organisers of the event, a record 51,000 plus children and adults attended the Festival in school and family groups. Organised on the theme of “Celebrating Our Connectivity”, the Festival featured attractions for all age groups and was a tremendous success in promoting public understanding of advancements and issues in science and technology. These were developed under five sub-headings: communications, environment, health, home and everyday living, and technologies and innovations in the productive sector.

Seventy (70) plus innovative local companies, scientific and training institutions, governmental departments, and NGOs took part in the festival by mounting stimulating hands-on exhibits, demonstrations and poster displays. They included cultural contributions to science from India and Africa, the development of the steelpan, displays of local inventions and innovations, a “kitchen of the future”, the science of textiles, finger-printing techniques, “smart cars” and new vehicle diagnostic techniques, simulations on oil and gas production, the many uses of plastics and its making, demonstrations of GIS and weather forecasting, orchid culture for preserving bio-diversity, disaster mitigation, the workings of e-banking, the cellular network and the cell phone, laser surgery and other cutting-edge technologies used in medicine and medical diagnostics, and much more.

Making a hit debut with local audiences were Lego MINDSTORMS™, an exhibit which helps to develop creativity using robotics. In addition, visitors were treated to new exhibits and old favourites from YAPOLLO, NIHERST’s popular, interactive, science exhibition. These exhibits were made and maintained by the staff of the NIHERST National Science Centre.

Another first for the festival were “Of Our Own”, a poster display which featured the accomplishments of several local scientists, and two travelling French exhibitions: the MIKALO Arts and Science Spectacular and La Cité – Land Ahoy! MIKALO engaged its audience in the story of water, as told by the characters “Claude” and “Icekor”, complete with special effects, lighting and fake snow. Land Ahoy educated on planetary environmental issues. Both exhibitions successfully brought the message of ecological sensitivity and awareness home to local audiences.

Tom Noddy, The Bubble Guy,
presenting “The Bubble Cube”
at Sci-TechKnoFest 2002

Helping to make Sci-TechKnoFest 2002 a memorable experience for visitors was the TechKno Theatre, which hosted fun demonstrations by international science showmen and local artistes who used dance and drama to highlight selected issues in science and technology. In the Theatre’s line-up were three outstanding showmen, who performed to packed audiences.

Eddie Goldstein from the Denver Museum of Natural History, a repeat performer from the 1997 festival, thrilled visitors and got their enthusiastic participation in his “How Animals Walk” and “Magical Math and Science” shows. Dr. Ron Mir of the Hands-On Sci-Tech Museum in Illinois, involved children and parents in his fun shows entitled “It’s Science not Magic” and “Science is Fun”. Tom Noddy, The Bubble Guy from California added to the fun and excitement with “Bubble Magic” and his art of creating Bubble Cubes, The Caterpillar and the Bubble Jewel.

Other TechKno Theatre hits came from the University of the West Indies Arts-In-Action Group. “Who Let The Dogs Out?” dealt with the discovery of the rabies virus by Dr. Lennox Pawan, a famous local scientist. “Where Are They Now?” and “In The Beginning” dealt with environmental issues and endangered species. Mairoon Ali and Richard Ragoobarsingh, two professional actors, performed “The Clone Show”, a play developed by the Museum Of Science, Boston to a full house for all five shows. Visitors were also treated to outstanding performances by primary and secondary school drama groups while young members of the Science Club of the National Science Centre entertained youngsters at the Kids Matinee with robot and puppet skits, which dealt with issues in health and exercise.

Public response to the festival was most encouraging from the standpoint of the uptake of science and technology, the positive attitude expressed towards science and technology, and the geographic representation of visitors from parts of the country including from the island of Tobago. Schoolchildren by far made up the largest percentage of attendees, with over 400 schools in attendance. Family and community groups were well represented on weekends, and at this year’s festival, a community outreach project sponsored by UNDP and EOG resources, enabled the attendance of 717 representatives from thirty (30) communities in Trinidad and two (2) groups from Tobago. Click here for more festival statistics.

The festival was also a model of partnership in science popularisation. The First Citizens Bank (FCB), National Gas Company (NGC), Telecommunications Services of Trinidad and Tobago (TSTT), BpTT and Alliance Française (Trinidad) came on board as Corporate Sponsors and lead exhibitors to help NIHERST, a public funded institution, to stage Sci-TechKnoFest 2002. Businesses also came forward to sponsor the attendance of schools in their area and to donate door prizes and gifts for competitions.

Weary but brimming with ideas and enthusiasm, the NIHERST organisers have already gone back to the drawing board to plan for the next festival. Hopefully you will be there to experience this spectacle in informal science learning.