Networking as a Vehicle for the Creation of Science Discovery Center and Mathematics Museum at Al-Quds University in Palestine

By HASAN SALAH DWEIK, PROF

Polymer and Industrial Chemistry Director of Science Discovery Center and Mathematics Museum

Executive Vice President

AL-QUDS UNIVERSITY ABU-DIES CAMPUS /JERUSALEM /PALESTINE

Presented at the North Africa and Middle East Science Network(NAMES )General Assembly Meeting

2-3 November 2008 Bibliotheca Alexandrina

EGYPT

INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION PROJECT FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A SCIENCE CENTRE AT AL QUDS UNIVERSITY IN EAST JERUSALEM The Only Palestinian university in East Jerusalem, with –

- Total No. of students is 10,000- Faculty and Administration personal ,1100- Faculties ,12 - The Largest health complex In Palestine

To create a culture of science for all

To serve schools , families and the broad Palestinian Public At large

GOALS

To build the First Independent Science Center in Palestine In East Jerusalem at al-Quds University

Build a society based on knowledge and on a culture of tolerance, moderation, understanding and mutual respect

Enhance the Palestinian national identity by the establishment of a new major public institution to promote scientific culture and technological knowledge;

Attract young people into science careers, increasing scientific literacy in the youngsters and their families in Palestine;

Improve the quality of science education, the promotion of informal learning and science laboratories in the school system;

Promote the learning experience in the museum within a social context;

- Motivate children and adults to become more inquisitive, and encourage the development or redevelopment of curiosity;

- Build human resource capacity among the Palestinians

- Promote the social interactions through the learning experiences.

A Center for Formal & Informal Science Education

- Create an interactive science exhibition to promote understanding of Science and Technology

- Support science teachers through the creation of various training programs

- Introducing special programs for young talented students in science education .

. Establish Science laboratories for young Palestinian Children

To Find Partners With Knowledge & Relevant Experience , Has professional experienced staff in

development and operation Interest Accessibility Resources 1- Professional Human resources

to help in Developing the Palestinian Human Resource Capacity

2- Financial resources

WE needed the international community to be involved in a very strong partnership

USA REPTEC (1998-2000); Al-Quds + BSMJ EU (2001– 2007) Science Education Project- Al- Quds Ecsite 2002 London

Al Quds, & Citta, Naples started a Joint work towards The establishment of first Science Center in palestine (2003):

Workshops, poster exhibition, UNESCO support (2003) Feasibility Study for the Permanent science center (2003) Meet- Math exhibition, EU + Italian Support (Campania

Region )and UNESCO (2004-2006) The Tent - Jerusalem Foundation + Italian Support

(Municipality of Naples ,Bank of Naples )

History of cooperation and Networking 1999-2001 : First initiatives for the establishment of a

science museum funded by USAID through the REPTEC Program (12 hands-on exhibits)

2000-2001 : Meeting between Governor Bassolino and Nusseibeh

NOV.2002 : Launch of the idea at ECSITE by Fondazione IDIS Citta della Scienza (CDS), Naples -Italy

which received the support of AQU, BSMJ, UNESCO and ECSITE

JUNE 2003 : First International Workshop in Naples, supported by Campania Region and UNESCO

Definition of a Steering Committee and a work plan

10.11 2003 : Promotion of the project through the POSTER EXHIBITION for the UNESCO Science for peace Day

15.11.2003 : Preliminary Feasibility Study of the Interactive Science Centre

29.11.2003 : Launch of a campaign for donations of hands-on exhibits in the ECSITE community

DECEMBER 2003 : Opening of a Pilot Science Centre under the EU Project Science Education”

Pre-proposal for a traveling exhibition on mathematics under the EU partnership for Peace Program with the support of Campania Region

THE PROCESS Workshops ,Designers ,Curators, Science Educators

(Pedagogy),Guides ,and scientists ,all were involved Building Exhibits Moving The Need for Effective Management and Administration The components: (exhibits, activities….. Opening Public & schools in the exhibition

The tent

The international projects promoted by: - Al

-

Al Quds University ( AQU East Jerusalem)

The International Project Promoted by

1-Al-quds University in Jerusalem

2- Bloomfield Science Museum ( BSMJ Jerusalem)

3- Fondazione IDIS-Città della Scienza (CDS Naples)

4-campania Region –Italy

5- Cite de Sciences et de l’industrie ( CSI Paris)

6-UNESCO

7-ECSITE

The turning point – London meeting ECSITE ,2002

The involvement of European Organizations

ECSITE ,UNESCO ,CDS,….

The logo of the Interactive Mathematics Exhibition

Families with their Kids visiting the Mathematics museum

School Children Visiting the Science Museum

International Visitors to the Exhibitions

Nobel laureate in Chemistry: Richard ErnestNobel laureate in Chemistry: Richard Ernest