1001 Inventions Joins President Obama’s National Week of Making

Ibn Al-Haytham Film at the National Maker Faire in Washington D.C.

Washington D.C., 18 June 2016: 1001 Inventions participated at the National Maker Faire at the University of the District of Columbia campus to honour the 11th century scientist Ibn al-Haytham and celebrate the USA National Week of Making.

In proclaiming the National Week of Making, from June 17 through June 23, President Obama said:

In 2014, I launched the Nation of Makers initiative to ensure more American of all ages and backgrounds have greater opportunities to design, build, and manufacture. My administration is taking steps to foster “maker mindsets” by promoting skills like creative problem-solving, and to support the development of collaborative maker spaces so aspiring makers and manufactures can turn their bold ideas into realities.” … “I call upon all Americans to observe this week with programs, ceremonies, celebrations, and activities that encourage a new generation of makers and manufacturers to share their talents, solutions, and skills.”

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Maker Faires are family-friendly showcases of invention and creativity and a celebration of the global Maker Movement, which has massively grown since the first Maker Faire in 2006 in San Francisco. Maker Faires are primarily designed to be forward-looking, showcasing makers who are exploring new forms and new technologies. Maker Faire features innovation and experimentation across the spectrum of science, engineering, art, performance and craft.

The Second National Maker Faire held at the University of the District of Columbia attracted thousands of people of all ages. The event included a special screening of the short film “1001 Inventions and the World of Ibn Al-Haytham” starring late legendary actor Omar Sharif. The film follows the fascinating scientific journey of creativity and making of the 11th Century Arab scientist, one of the oldest and most inspirational ‘makers’ who helped set the Foundations of Modern Science and discover the nature of light and vision.


New ‘1001 Inventions and the World of Ibn Al-Haytham Film’ was screened in Washington D.C. (trailer above)

Hanan Dowidar, 1001 Inventions Head of Strategic Partnerships who delivered a talk at the National Maker Faire said:

We acknowledge the efforts by the White House and the Maker community to promote science for all.  We are delighted to participate at the National Maker Faire to support such valuable efforts to promote inclusive societies through Making and STEM learning. The story of Ibn al-Haytham offers a unique opportunity to reflect on an inspirational “Maker” from 1000 years ago and his relevance to our world today. Through linking themes of science, history and culture highlighting the achievements of “Makers of the Golden Age” we aim to support the Maker community in sparking interest in ‘making’ while promoting diversity and intercultural dialogue.”

In 2015, the global educational campaign “1001 Inventions and the World of Ibn Al-Haytham” engaged 25 million people around the world. The campaign continues in 2016 and beyond to engage global audiences through a National Geographic children’s book on Ibn al-Haytham, the short film starring legendary actor Omar Sharif, a music album and a music video based on the film by international acclaimed singer Sami Yusuf, in addition to interactive exhibits, hands-on workshops and learning materials.

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About Maker Faire

Maker Faire is the Greatest Show (and Tell) on Earth—a family-friendly festival of invention, creativity and resourcefulness, and a celebration of the Maker movement. Maker Faire is an all-ages gathering of tech enthusiasts, crafters, educators, tinkerers, hobbyists, engineers, science clubs, authors, artists, students, and commercial exhibitors. All of these “makers” come to Maker Faire to show what they have made and to share what they have learned.

The National Maker Faire is organised in collaboration between Maker Media, NationOfMakers.org, and the University of the District of Columbia.

www.makerfaire.com/national

About 1001 Inventions

1001 Inventions is an award-winning, British-based organisation that creates international educational campaigns and engaging transmedia productions aiming to raise awareness of the contributions to science, technology and culture from the Golden Age of Muslim Civilisation.  Over the last decade, 1001 Inventions has engaged with over 250 million people across the globe, with educational campaigns in cities such as in LondonIstanbulNew YorkWashington DCLos AngelesKuala LumpurAbu Dhabi and Jeddah.  1001 Inventions works with a network of international partners and leading academics, and through its academic partner FSTC (UK), to produce world-class experiences, interactive exhibitsfilms, live shows, books and classroom learning materials that are being used by hundreds of thousands of educators around the world.

www.1001inventions.com

NewsChildren in Washington D.C’s National Maker Faire received copies of the new Ibn Al-Haytham book from 1001 Inventions and National Geographic Kids


Movie Trailer The Album

Music Video The Book

Learning Materials