Networking as a Vehicle for the Creation of Science Discovery Center

1. 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

2. 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

3. To create a culture of science for all To serve schools , families and the broad Palestinian Public At large

4. 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;

5. 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.

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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 )

9. 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. 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

11. 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

12. 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 international projects promoted by: • - Al Al Quds University ( AQU East Jerusalem) -

13. The turning point – London meeting ECSITE ,2002The involvement of European OrganizationsECSITE ,UNESCO ,CDS,….

14. The logo of the Interactive Mathematics Exhibition

15. Families with their Kids visiting the Mathematics museum

16. School Children Visiting the Science Museum

17. International Visitors to the Exhibitions Nobel laureate in Chemistry: Richard Ernest Nobel laureate in Chemistry: Richard Ernest