AUS students implement Lab on Wheels

Forty students from American University of Sharjah (AUS) volunteered to implement Lab on Wheels at six private and public schools across Sharjah during the fall semester. In this project, simple yet informative mobile laboratory experiments were performed by school students at their school premises. Student volunteers from AUS Community Services visited schools with all materials required to perform the experiments, and helped students in conducting them. Lab on Wheels is an interactive approach that combines teamwork, learning by doing, and fun learning. More than 180 school students benefitted from the project.

Lab on Wheels aims to boost cultural confidence by introducing experiments related to Arab and Muslim scientists, improves hands-on skills for students by building experiments from scratch, develops and improves teamwork and problem-solving skills, and promotes voluntary work. The experiments performed included the "Camera" experiment developed by Al Hassan bin Al Haitham and the "Dry Ice" experiment by Jaber bin Hayyan, who developed alchemy into an experimental science.

The idea was initiated by Dr. Mohammad Nazzal, Visiting Associate Professor in the AUS Department of Mechanical Engineering, and was supported by the Office of Student Affairs. The project will continue with school visits in the future to fulfill the demands from a long waiting list of schools and volunteers that are interested in the project.

"This cooperation between the Office of Student Affairs and an academic department results in meaningful activities that appeal to students and encourage them to participate in out-of-class learning experiences. We encourage such initiatives that promote mutually productive relations with the external community," said Dr. Moza Al Shehhi, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs. "Our appreciations to Dr. Nazzal for his efforts and for sharing his ideas and time on this project." she added.