Ramallah – (A.M. Qattan Foundation – 7 February 2019)
In the context of events organised by the Science Studio / Educational Research and Development Programme, the A.M. Qattan Foundation (AMQF) presented an aquaponics exhibit. Held over the past two weeks, aquaponics was part of a collection of exhibits and a variety of activities on the environment and agriculture.
The event brought together hundreds of children, who came in on visits organised by schools and families. Children watched science exhibits and enjoyed the games and activities carried out by the Science Studio team.
The aquaponics exhibit reflects a balanced ecosystem that integrates fish, plants and bacteria. This ecosystem imitates the role water plays in mother nature. By bacteria, fish waste is converted into nutrients for plants that grow without soil.
Omar Jarrar, the aquaponics exhibit developer, explained: “The exhibit seeks to introduce people to the possibility of agriculture even if an adequate space is not available. It places greater emphasis on urban gardening in cities.” Jarrar said that the importance of agro-ecology derives from the need for the greening of cities and adapting to the shrinking availability of arable land in favour of urban expansion.
Samar Kirresh, Senior Researcher at the Science Studio, said that the “Science Studio seeks to promote interest in agriculture and environment through relevant programmes and events all year round.”
“The idea is not just to promote production and reliance on home gardening, but also to reintroduce children and adults to the concept of farming and restore their relationship with plants. This will indirectly result in a significant value, namely, avoiding food waste, among other things.” Kirresh went on.
Children and adults watched science films and enjoyed a variety of games and activities. These included the Bees Table, where participants learned information about bees and the role a bee plays in conserving biodiversity.
Nariman Abboushi, a teacher, said she took her students to the Science Studio because she hope that they would engage in interactive learning and exploration through play. Abboushi asserted she was happy when she saw her students absorbed in a particular experiment, raising questions, and exploring.
Implemented in partnership with the Ramallah Municipality, the Science Studio is one project of the Educational Research and Development Programme / A. M. Qattan Foundation. The Ramallah Municipality generously contributed the premises of the Science Studio at the Ramallah Recreational Complex.