Al-Bairaq

Vision and mission

Vision

Al-Bairaq aims to become a nationally and internationally renowned hub for school students that contributes to the growth of their interest in pursuing future high quality STEM education and research at the University.

Mission

Al-Bairaq’s mission is to provide comprehensive, high quality STEM education and research projects that advance knowledge that advance knowledge in the field. Al-Bairaq collectively acts across all levels of the educational spectrum at Qatar University to recognize, attract, nurture and develop talent among Qatari students.

History

Al-Bairaq was established in 2010 under the leadership of Dr. Noora Al-Thani with the vision of developing scientific, experimental and research skills of high school students. The idea was to immerse K-12 students in scientific practice in order to enhance their scientific learning interests through hands-on activities. The program is successful in building appreciation and understanding of the role of scientists and researchers in real world, as they are driven to brainstorm solutions for real world technological problems. Moreover, the students are also motivated to look forward to empower themselves in line with the sustainability goals of Qatar National Vision 2030.

Program tracks

AL-Bairaq holds the bedrock for four tracks: I am a Researcher, I am Discovering Materials, Science in Sport, and Problem Solving. Students are driven through diverse activities for developing the  key competencies consisting of critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, collaboration, curiosity and language of science. Each track facilitates different competitions bi-annually, wherein the students compete for several prizes and competitions. The competing candidates are evaluated by a selected panel of judges from different scientific, business, and industrial organizations.

I am a Researcher

I am a Researcher track is one of Al-Bairaq tracks that offers a unique opportunity for grade 12 students to be involved in the research field. Through this track students work as research assistants with faculty professors in the specialized labs of the Center for advanced materials (CAM) in Qatar University. The laboratory experience gained by students through this track increments their understanding about Material science, develops their research self-efficacy, leading to career choices in science and engineering. The goals of this track are accomplished by subjecting the students in a systematic process of inquiry-driven research environment designed through a curriculum of STEM related contemporary real-life research projects.Students therefore acquire learning outcomes that include generating a hypothesis, developing a plan for gathering data, and constructing evidence based on data consequently reaching out to conclusions either propagating forward to an advanced research or solving a scientific problem. As they propagate through the research process, they foster and cultivate scientific curiosity, problem solving capability and ultimately, the research methodology. [9][10][11][12][13]

Students demonstrate their understanding of the scientific concepts as well as their ideas and research outcomes via PowerPoint and other presentation tools. They present their research work to the community leaders,from diverse economical and industrial organizations. The students also exhibited artistic skills in photography and videography through competitions like 'Art in Science' and ' Best documentary film', where they capture the beautiful renditions and moments in research course.

I am Discovering Materials

This track aims to introduce the primary, preparatory and high school students to diverse topics or modules in materials science through hands on activities that are designed in line with STEAM education curriculum. These modules are all designed to follow a unique structure, where three to four activities lead to a design project, thereby driving the students to lead an innovation. Through these activities, students learn about the different concepts of the topic through thorough investigation and research. The design project leads the students to think, innovate, brainstorm, design, test, and build their own product that implements a solution for an existing problem that revolves around the specific module.[14][15] Our students designed many innovative ideas and projects; among which one of them is light-trash sorter and biodegradable plant pots.

Students are also encouraged to establish the contributions of the STEM fields to the development of industrial sector and thereby, it's influence on the economy. They are also enlightened on their contributions to the growth of scientific community in Qatar. Likewise in 'I am a Researcher' track, the students also participate in various inter-school competitions as hosted by the program to exhibit their work to the community and get recognized in the global innovators network.

Science in Sport

"Science in Sport" is one of the tracks that engages students from grade 10 and 11 through different sport activities that merges the science of design of the sport products and the efficiency of their performance on fields. The students design different sport products like bowling ball, golf ball, concrete boat etc. through a series of steps that demand high efficiency in design, materials, mechanics, dynamics, math, and engineering. The products are tested for their performance in relation to the parameters like timing, distance measurement, materials technology, and performance monitoring.[16][17]. The students also showcase their efficient designs to the community during the diverse competitions hosted by Al-Bairaq.

Problem Solving

Through this track, students are guided to develop problem solving skills, on the quintessential skills of 21st century. Al-Bairaq introduces the students to different problems in the real world, that requires scientific approach in solving them. the students, participating in this track learn to identify a problem, brainstorm solutions, choose the best solution and implement the solution. This track also implements a lively and exciting scientific learning from the basic levels through the activities, thereby attracting them to explore and enjoy science with fun.

Impact
Timeline journey of Al-Bairaq Impact

The effects of Al-Bairaq on the school students are supported by the results of a research carried out in Qatar, which concluded that the advanced learning environment resulted in the improvement of the students’ ability to acquire and retain new knowledge. Furthermore, the advanced learning environment had a direct positive impact on students’ attitude towards research, and students gained positive attitudes towards work as well.[18]

Events

Symposium of research and innovation[19]

The symposium is organized by Al-Bairaq annually, to enhance and felicitate the research work of students, thereby allowing them to take an active role in the field of scientific research, ultimately contributing to supporting the Qatar National Vision 2030. The "I am a Researcher" track offers the participating students the opportunity to experience scientific research under the supervision of experts and specialists from Qatar University and thereby become an integral part of the symposium.

Research and innovation Conference[20]

Al-Bairaq is keen on facilitating the innovative works of young students who participate in I am Discovering Materials track, by organizing a conference to hold competitions that drive and celebrate their innovative vigor and passion. The different schools of Qatar become an integral part of this event wherein the students present unique projects to the community leaders and are honored in their esteemed presence.

Community outreach
  • Students receiving the award at the annual education conference
    Annual Education Conference [21]- Al-Bairaq hold an active participation in the conference, aiming to present innovative educational strategies that will improve the existing techniques of teaching and learning. The conference shaped as an international platform to exchange knowledge, information, and experiences with experts in the education field. The conference included a research exhibition, where local and international educational institutions and research centers displayed the latest technologies in the field of education. In addition, the conference contained group of interactive workshops and panel discussions. The highlight of the event is the workshop, titled, " Increasing student engagement in learning", which was provided by Al-Bairaq team to the teaching community on 24 April 2019. The workshop was also delivered at WISE summit 2019 on 20 November 2019.
  • Darb Al Saai[22] - Darb Alsaai is a unique event that occurs during Qatar’s celebration of the National day, an exhibition that attracts a huge public attention with its diverse and rich blend of activities spreading emotions of patriotism, pride and national identity. Al-Bairaq is a popular exhibitor in Darb Alsaii with an array of educational interactive activities since 2016. Al-Bairaq booth witness participation of large number of visitors including families and school trips who were impressed with the educational activities and the exciting strategies used in the activities presented. Al-Bairaq activities aid in developing critical thinking and problem solving skills to enhance creativity and innovation in youth.
  • Doha International Book Fair[23][24]- Al-Bairaq conducts numerous workshops at Doha International Book Fair, which is held every year in Doha Exhibition and Convention Center, under the support of Qatar University.
Young students in Al-Bairaq program

Awards

Numerous honors and felicitations have reached out to Al-Bairaq program and can be enlisted as following:

Five Awards for Al-Bairaq Program:

1.     WISE Award 2015 for innovation in Education[25]-AL-Bairaq was selected for the 2015 World Innovation Summit for Education (WISE) awards; for the best new solutions to education, adoption of latest practices, and its positive social impact. [26][27]

2.     Reimagine Education[28] Silver Award 2016 - Al-Bairaq won the Middle East Silver Award at the third annual Reimagine Education Awards, which was held at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia on 2016. Al-Bairaq accomplished this achievement for altering the relationship between learner and teacher, moving from a dynamic that is explicitly hierarchical, to one that makes explicit a shared goal, and places the student into the role of co-creator of knowledge. [29]

3.     Reimagine Education Bronze Award 2017- Al-Bairaq won the Middle East Bronze Award at the fourth annual Reimagine Education Awards, which was held in Philadelphia, 2017. [29]

4.     Reimagine Education Bronze Award 2018 - Al-Bairaq won the Bronze Award in the category, " Cultivating Curiosity" at the fifth annual Reimagine Education Awards, which was held in San Francisco, 2018[30]

5. Reimagine Education Bronze Award 2019 - Al-Bairaq won Gold, in Category, "Natural Sciences" and Silver, Middle East at the Sixth annual Reimagine Education Awards, which was held in London, 2019[31]

27 Awards for Al-Bairaq Students including 4 international awards

  • Special awards in INTEL ISEF[32] 2017 held in the USA.
  • Special awards in INTEL ISEF 2018 held in the USA.
  • 2nd place in ITEX[33] 2018, Malaysia and honored with the silver medal
  • 3rd place in Environmental Engineering category in INTEL ISEF 2019 held in the USA.

In 2016, 5 national awards[34] include:

o    First place in chemistry and material science category in the ‘students scientific research fair’, organized by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, Qatar.

·        In 2017, national awards include:

o    First place in chemistry and material science category in the ‘students scientific research fair 2017, organized by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, Qatar.

o    First place winner at the Materials Science and Engineering Symposium 2017, at TEXAS A&M University, Qatar.

o   Special awards presented from Raytheon Company Qatar 2017.

o   First, place overall winner at the student's scientific research fair and was nominated to represent Qatar at Intel ISEF 2017, USA.

·        In 2018, National awards[35] include:

o   Won in ITEX interschool competition (Qatar) organized by Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP), 2017 and was nominated to represent Qatar in ITEX 2018 in Malaysia.

o   Second place winner under the chemistry and material science category at the student's scientific research fair organized by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education 2018, Qatar.

o   Second place winner in bio-medical engineering category in the student's scientific research fair, Qatar.

o   Third place winner under the chemistry and material science category at the student's scientific research fair organized by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education 2018.

o   First place in special awards at the student's scientific research fair from Qatar Shell.

o    2nd place in special awards at the student's scientific research fair from Qatar Shell[36].

o   First place in special awards at the student's scientific research fair from Texas A & M University, Qatar.

o   Second place winner in the overall awards at the Education conference 2018 and was nominated to represent Qatar at Intel ISEF[37] 2018.

·      The 10 National awards in 2019[38] include:

o   Three overall awards in National Research Week 2019[39]

o   First place in category awards in Engineering category at the National Research Week[40]

o   First place in category award Chemistry and Material Science category in at the National Research Week 2019[41]

o   Third place in category awards the Environment and Earth Science category at the National Research Week 2019

o   Three special awards from Barzan Holding Company[42] at the National Research Week 2019

o   One Special award from EXON Mobil at the National Research Week 2019

I am Discovering Materials final event

Publications
  • In 2014, Al-Bairaq published the following peer-reviewed journal:  Al-Ghanim, K.A; Al-Maadeed, M.A and Al-Thani, N.J (Sept. 2014): Impact of Innovative Learning Environment Based on Research Activities on Secondary School Students' Attitude Towards Research and Their Self-Efficacy, EJES, 1(3), 39-57 (http://ejes.eu/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/1-2-23.pdf).
  • In 2020, Al-Bairaq published the research article, "Cultivating curiosity by integrating art in science through photography[43]", in the peer reviewed high impact factor journal, in the Academia Journal of Educational Research: Al-thani N, Siby N, Ali R, Nabhan F (2020). Cultivating curiosity by integrating art in science through photography. Acad. J. Edu. Res. 8(1): 001-014.
  • Al-Bairaq was one of the participants in a report on the outcomes of the Equinox Summit Learning 2030 held by the University of Waterloo: M. Brooks and B. Holmes, "Equinox Blueprint: Learning 2030," A report on the outcomes of the Equinox Summit: Learning, 2014 .

Program partners
  • UNESCO – Doha Office (Partner)[44]
  • Qatar National Committee for Education Culture and Science (Partner)

See also

References
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  2. "Campus Life Newsletter | Qatar University". Qu.edu.qa. 22 May 2011. Archived from the original on 1 June 2017. Retrieved 30 June 2014.
  3. http://www.qu.edu.qa/offices/research/CAM/albairaq/about_us/vision_and_mission.php
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  6. http://www.qu.edu.qa/offices/research/CAM/dmsprogram/albiraq_news/ufuq_100_students_of_the_secondary_level_participate_in_the_discovery_of_materials_science.pdf
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  11. http://www.qu.edu.qa/offices/research/CAM/dmsprogram/albiraq_news/alj_honoring_al_biraq_students.pdf
  12. "الشرق - انطلاق برنامج "أنا باحث" في جامعة قطر". Al-sharq.com. 24 February 2014. Retrieved 30 June 2014.
  13. "جريدة الراية - جامعة قطر تكرم الفائزين بالدورة السابعة من "أنا باحث"". Raya.com. Retrieved 30 June 2014.
  14. "I am discovering Materials". Qu.edu.qa. 3 March 2014. Retrieved 11 June 2014.
  15. http://www.qu.edu.qa/offices/research/CAM/dmsprogram/albiraq_news/alj_qatari_program_for_young_researchers.pdf
  16. "Science in Sport Media". Qu.edu.qa. Retrieved 11 June 2014.
  17. http://www.qu.edu.qa/offices/research/CAM/documents/Alarab.pdf
  18. http://ejes.eu/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/1-2-23.pdf Al-Ghanim, K.A; Al-Maadeed, M.A and Al-Thani, N.J (Sept. 2014) : Impact of Innovative Learning Environment Based on Research Activities on Secondary School Students' Attitude Towards Research and Their Self-Efficacy, EJES, 1(3), 39-57
  19. "Office of Research | Qatar University". www.qu.edu.qa. Retrieved 1 March 2020.
  20. "Office of Research | Qatar University". www.qu.edu.qa. Retrieved 1 March 2020.
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  22. "Qatar University | Qatar University". www.qu.edu.qa. Retrieved 1 March 2020.
  23. "AL-Bairaq on Instagram: "التعاون بين الأطفال لإنجاز الأنشطة المقدمة لهم في وقت قصير . #albairaqresearch #معرض_الكتاب_قطر #افلا_تتفكرون"". Instagram. Retrieved 1 March 2020.
  24. "Office of Research | Qatar University". www.qu.edu.qa. Retrieved 1 March 2020.
  25. "Al-Bairaq". WISE. Retrieved 1 March 2020.
  26. http://www.wise-qatar.org/al-bairaq-qatar
  27. http://www.wise-qatar.org/wise-awards-2015
  28. "Home". Reimagine Education. Retrieved 1 March 2020.
  29. http://content.qs.com/re2016/REIMAGINE_EDUCATION_AWARDS_BOOKLET.pdf
  30. "Newsroom | Qatar University". www.qu.edu.qa. Retrieved 1 March 2020.
  31. "Office of Research | Qatar University". www.qu.edu.qa. Retrieved 1 March 2020.
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  33. "ITEX 2020 | The Marketplace for Invention & Innovation!". ITEX 2020. 22 September 2016. Retrieved 1 March 2020.
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  35. "Office of Research | Qatar University". www.qu.edu.qa. Retrieved 1 March 2020.
  36. "Qatar Shell". www.shell.com.qa. Retrieved 1 March 2020.
  37. "Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair | Society for Science & the Public". Retrieved 1 March 2020.
  38. "Al-Bairaq programme of QU marks another year of achievements". Gulf-Times (in Arabic). 2 July 2019. Retrieved 1 March 2020.
  39. "National Science Research Week". www.qf.org.qa. Retrieved 1 March 2020.
  40. "National Science Research Week". www.qf.org.qa. Retrieved 1 March 2020.
  41. "National Science Research Week". www.qf.org.qa. Retrieved 1 March 2020.
  42. "Barzan Holdings". Barzan Holdings. Retrieved 1 March 2020.
  43. "Cultivating curiosity by integrating art in science through photography". www.academiapublishing.org. Retrieved 1 March 2020.
  44. https://plus.google.com/+UNESCO (22 May 2019). "Gulf States & Yemen". UNESCO. Retrieved 1 March 2020.
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