Bowled over by Sci-TechKnoFest 2011

What a way to blow your mind! Visitors had unimaginable fun on all fronts at the recently concluded Sci‑TechKnoFest 2011. For a full fourteen days from May 2nd to 15th 2011, patrons kept coming – and returning – to enjoy this signature science festival at the NIHERST/NGC National Science Centre. Sci‑TechKnoFest 2011 surpassed previous festivals with an extensive array of new and exciting science exhibits, hands activities and workshops, and entertaining science shows. With the theme "iCreate, iInnovate, iSustain", the festival placed emphasis on the importance of individual effort, creativity and innovation to build and sustain a brighter future for humanity.

A remarkable experience in science

Sci-TechKnoFest provided its 38,000 visitors with a memorable experience in science, technology and innovation. Based on visitor feedback (a 5% survey), a whopping 98% stated that they enjoyed the festival and 94% reported it had increased their knowledge of science and technology. A large number, 87%, was inspired to be more creative and 84% was encouraged to adopt a more sustainable lifestyle. What explains this fantastic response? Here is the scoop.

This year’s festival provided a fun educational experience for everyone. It encompassed first-hand tips from experts on growing vegetables in a limited space, and affordably, to ensure family food security. It showcased steps taken locally and regionally to ‘win water’ using a rainwater harvesting system developed here in the Caribbean, as well as pioneering efforts used to exploit renewable energy in the region. There were scary experiences simulating drunk and tired driving, and also driving while using a cell phone, to encourage road safety and less carnage on our nation’s roads. The festival also allowed visitors to: enjoy the world of virtual reality, experience a guided tour of the night sky, record a CD of their singing performance, learn the basics of Photoshop, AutoCAD and CAM, make and take away their own hand-crafted items from key chains to candles, soaps and costume jewellery creations, and learn about the use of technology in library research!

Laughing and learning

But that’s still not all… Sci-TechKnoFest also gave visitors the chance to have a laugh yet learn some serious stuff about natural disasters, nanotechnology, renewable energy, water resource management, food security and innovation from leading local dramatists and science communicators in the festival’s TechKno Theatre, the home to dramatic science edu-tainment.

The festival also enabled parents to be fascinated by the creativity and musicality of their pre-schoolers in the exclusive Kidiplay area. It allowed visitors to relax, smile, have fun and learn in a comfortable, safe environment. And guess what? NIHERST continues to welcome visitors back to the Science Centre year-round, for a great science experience. We’ll be happy to see you again, even before the next Sci‑TechKnoFest!

NIHERST wishes to thank the public for their tremendous support for Sci-TechKnoFest 2011!