Dubai, United Arab Emirates May 2, 2007: The month of April was a time for scientific discovery and space exploration for Al-Mizhar American Academy for Girls' (AAG) ninth graders when they flew to Izmir, Turkey for space camp. Ten AAG space campers were introduced to the world of astronomy and space travel through scientific experiments and simulated space missions. During their week-long stay at the camp, the girls did intensive physical training, as well as experiment with the various gadgets and equipment that would be used at NASA. The intensive training was designed to prepare them for their first actual "mission" in space.

The girls found out what it would be like to walk on the moon and float in outer space at zero gravity. The "six degrees of freedom chair," allowed the girls to understand the concept of being weightless. While experiencing the real "outer space," the girls experimented with the "MAT," otherwise known at the camp as the "multi-access trainer," which is a training device which simulates the tumbling and flipping motion that occurs in space.

In addition to the physical training, the girls were able to tap into the more scientific aspects of the program. Visiting the hydroponics lab, the girls learned the possibilities of cultivating plants without soil; teaching them that there were possible solutions to the effect of erosion of soil on earth.

Before the final mission, the girls were taught how to make the metal tiles which outlined the space shuttle and allowed it to be aerodynamic in space. They made their own foil and mesh tiles. During the mission, each student assumed her special role and performed the tasks according to plan. "It was so much fun being the commander in the cockpit. I got to push buttons, steer the shuttle, and take commands from the control center down on earth," said high school student, Majedeh Seyyedi.

"Space camp brought science to life.  Instead of reading about how rockets worked, the girls built and launched rockets.  By the end of Space Camp, students who knew very little about space exploration knew the names of astronauts and their contributions to the space program.  Most importantly, they were excited to learn and to share their new-found knowledge. It was amazing to see them learn before our eyes," explained Jenny Ostermiller, AAG's guidance counselor.  

-Ends-

About Beacon Education:
Beacon Education was established to address the growing need for high quality schools in the Middle East. Dubai is the platform from which Beacon Education launched its initial projects, with four schools that opened in September 2005. Beacon Education is financed by Taaleem, a unique Private Joint Stock company, that over the next six to eight years will invest over AED 1 billion in educational ventures across the region.

With quality at the forefront, Beacon Education will tailor each project to answer the specific educational needs of families by offering a comprehensive choice of outstanding international curricula from American to British to the International Baccalaureate. The following schools fall under the Beacon Education banner: Al-Mizhar, American Academy for Girls, The Children's Garden, Dubai British School, Raha International School (Abu Dhabi), and Uptown Primary.

For more information, please contact:
Alice Markson
Beacon Education
Tel: +971 43498806
Fax: +971 43498807
E-mail: amarkson@beacon.ae
Website: www.beacon.ae

© Press Release 2007