Gillian Thomas
Science and technology are critical drivers of society’s progress. That is why, after initially studying chemistry, I focused on encouraging young people into STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) subjects. Adults and children alike need to increase their knowledge and skills to find jobs and a secure future.
The informal learning approach, of encouraging investigation through hands-on activity outside the classroom, has developed over centuries and expanded rapidly in recent times due to its success. It is, above all, an entry point into STEM that offers a memorable moment of delight for the whole family to share. Demonstrations, science shows and opportunities to meet experts all help children and young people to form a connection with STEM subjects.
Science centers around the world have programs linked to school curricula to reinforce and make real the science the young are learning about during their lessons. Teachers often tell me that they had never seen a particular child so interested as when they experienced the joy of discovery when exploring an exhibit.
Parents are enablers of their children’s learning. But many parents feel they do not know how to guide their children, especially in STEM subjects. Research reveals that many Saudi parents feel unsure about STEM and its opportunities. Many societal pressures come to bear when children develop their interests. This ranges from what careers may be deemed possible to whether a child has ever met, for example, a scientist or an IT engineer. Many factors can lead to a child feeling that STEM is not for them.
Cultural factors also play a role. My first experience was working at Universcience in Paris. I became aware that the US model of parents carrying out an experience in public with their children was unfamiliar. More frequently, parents would wish to hand their children to a professional for a session, rather than share an investigative hands-on activity.
This was just one experience. Working in the rich cultural mix that is Miami, it became apparent to me that different groups had varied preferences, from hands-on exhibits to preferring shows and demonstrations, to how much text was thought essential as descriptions of exhibits.
It is this experience that makes me so excited about ilmi — how it is designed for the Saudi population and the substantive impact it will have in the Kingdom.
The building itself is the first attraction. ilmi Science, Discovery and Innovation Center in Riyadh is a technologically advanced, smart building. It is the perfect venue for a journey of scientific discovery. Each of the three themed zones invites action. In “Our World,” you are an explorer, discovering different environments and the science that lies hidden. In “Our Selves,” you can discover that you are unique, yet share many characteristics with others. And “Our Inventions” invites you to innovate to address some of the challenges we face globally. An auditorium, temporary exhibition spaces, classrooms, labs and gardens provide a panoply of adaptable resources and updateable spaces.
However people like to learn, ilmi aims to provide an easy entry point. For this reason, ilmi’s approach is to expand STEM to “STREAM” — science, technology, reading, engineering, arts and math — an all-encompassing offer that has something for everyone. Care is also being taken to focus on accessibility to ensure there are no physical barriers to participation. This was a key consideration of ilmi’s founder, Princess Sara bint Mashhour bin Abdulaziz. With quiet corners, assistive reading devices, group-tailored sessions and staff able to communicate in sign language, ilmi welcomes everyone.
But ilmi is more than a building and its contents. It aims to provide outreach throughout the country and to an even broader audience through its online and pop-up programs. In particular, ilmi aims to break down socioeconomic barriers to learning through a digital hub that will extend its reach across the Kingdom, making its educational resources and interactive experiences available for all. Its live pop-up activations are also designed to bring ilmi to communities across Saudi Arabia that may not be able to travel to Riyadh.
Across all its programs, ilmi aims to encourage the spirit of exploration and discovery, encourage the innovators and creators of tomorrow wherever they may be and introduce them to the innovators of today so that they can be inspired to tackle the challenges ahead.
Moreover, ilmi is being developed in partnership with its audience, a process of co-creation that invites participation and integrates public feedback, adapting and changing over time.
This will help us understand exactly what its visitors need and how they learn. Ilmi will also be tracking the impact of its work and developing research to explore how it can improve the opportunities it offers.
I encourage you all to join in Princess Sara’s exciting, unique and innovative initiative — get involved in shaping ilmi.
