Journeys from Alchemy to Chemistry for the First Time in Egypt
Cairo, 29 February 2020 – Thousands of children and young people today were creatively introduced to the wonderous world of chemistry through the eyes of 8th-century pioneer Jabir ibn Hayyan at Maker Faire Cairo 2020.
1001 Inventions, in collaboration with Al Alfi Foundation for Human and Social Development, brought to Egypt for the first time the global initiative “1001 Inventions: Journeys from Alchemy to Chemistry” to help spark young people’s interest in STEM and motivate them to study and pursue careers in science.
At the 1001 Inventions zone, at this year’s edition of this family-friendly showcase of invention and creativity, visitors flocked to watch the Arabic version of the “Journeys from Alchemy to Chemistry” short video that brings to life the contributions to the foundations of modern chemistry by lesser-known pioneers from ancient cultures and civilisations including the remarkable work of the 8th century pioneering polymath Jabir ibn Hayyan, also known as Geber.
Following the short video visitors were dazzled with a bit of mystery as they enjoyed exciting on-stage demonstrations introducing many chemical processes and reactions in a fun way.
Inspired by all the makers at this buzzing event, a creative and dynamic team of science explainers led exciting activities themed on chemistry and its applications to raise awareness that science exists not only inside labs, but makes up an important part of their everyday lives.
How to make soap bars following recipes and techniques of soap production from a thousand years ago. This workshop was also important to help raise awareness about the importance of hand washing to stay healthy.
Children and adults alike enjoyed making goo while learning about the properties of solids, liquids and gases in a fun and playful way. Throughout the day, children met with the Jabir ibn Hayyan mascot and enjoyed taking selfies with the 8th-century celebrity.
Maker Faire Cairo ended with a fantastic performance on the Maker Faire Cairo main stage where 1001 Inventions local science explainers ended the day with a ‘bang’ enthralling audiences with the mysterious wonders of chemistry.
“Journeys from Alchemy to Chemistry” global educational initiative was launched at UNESCO HQ in Paris in January 2019 and was then featured at the China Science Festival, All-Russian Science Festival, Berlin Science Week and at the Royal Society of Chemistry in London. The initiative will continue IYPT2019 legacy in 2020 and beyond with its global tour in partnership with museums, science centres, festivals, schools, and libraries to help inspire a future generation of chemists and scientists while promoting diversity and cross-cultural understanding.
About Jabir ibn Hayyan (722 to ca 815)
Jabir ibn Hayyan spent most of his life in Kufa, Iraq, where he devised and perfected sublimation, liquefaction, crystallization, distillation, purification, amalgamation, oxidation, evaporation, and filtration. He developed precise measuring equipment, and discovered sulfuric, nitric, and nitromuriatic acids, all now vitally important in the chemical industry. His research and publications, including the Great Book of Chemical Properties, The Weights and Measures, The Chemical Combination, and The Dyes, opened the way for modern chemistry and guided scientists during the following centuries.
Source: “1001 Inventions: The Enduring Legacy of Muslim Civilization” (Reference 4th Edition, Published by FSTC Limited UK, 2017), [Chapter 3, Section 8: Chemistry].
About Maker Faire Cairo
Maker Faire Cairo is the Greatest Show (and Tell) in Egypt—a family-friendly showcase of invention, creativity and resourcefulness, and a celebration of the Maker Movement. It’s a place where people show what they are making, and share what they have learned. The event includes numerous workshops from across the technical and nontechnical fields and a multitude of talks and keynote speeches from several well-noted figures from across the community. All this is coupled with the biggest project/maker exhibition for makers from across the region. Each maker showcases his/her pride project to the event participants that include young makers, families, and also experts in the respective fields. Such network creates a general ecosystem of people and communities willing to build projects/products that then will lead them to establishing small enterprises and business propelling Egypt to a state of industrial and financial stability.
www.makerfairecairo.com
www.makerfaire.com
About Al Alfi Foundation for Human and Social Development
An independent philanthropic foundation aiming at developing people with high capability to improve their surrounding social and economic environment. A high-impact foundation seeking the highest social return for our philanthropic interventions.
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.
1001 Inventions has engaged with over 400 million people across the globe working with a network of international partners, including UNESCO, National Geographic and leading academics to produce interactive exhibits, short films, live shows, books and classroom learning materials that are being used by hundreds of thousands of educators around the world.
