Stories of space exploration have a profound effect on children. These stories of adventure, curiosity and scientific discovery not only captivate children’s imaginations, but are also a valuable learning experience for them. Space Exploration Olympiad-2023 powered by ACI Pure Salt was held for the first time in the country under the initiative of Bangladesh Innovation Forum and Space Innovation Camp to make students interested in space science, space robotics, space technology and innovation, solar system, galaxy, space programming and cosmology.
Students aged 6 to 9, 10 to 12 and 13 to 14 years participated in this Olympiad in three groups. Astronaut camps, 150 school campaigns, district-wise data boot camps have been held in eight divisions of the country based on the Olympiad. Apart from this, space scientists and researchers answered various questions about space to children through 12 space talks. For preparation there were online quiz practices and sophisticated mock test software where a contestant got the opportunity to test his/her own merit.
The final phase was held today with the selected students through two preliminary and secondary online exams according to their age. 150 crew members from all over the country participated in the final exam, today through a closing ceremony at the American International University in Dhaka, 9 people from three groups got the Excellence Award including the runner-up, second runner-up and champion.
The awardees are Category 6-9 Years The 2nd Runner Up was Md. Safwan Hasan from Civil Aviation School and College, Dhaka, The Runner Up was Arham Md. Nusayer from SFX Greenherald International School, Dhaka and The Champion was Nusaib Hasan Labib from CDA Public School And College, Chittagong.
Category 10-12 years: 2nd runner-up was Adyan Omair Islam from Playpen School, Dhaka, Runner-Up was Subha Safayet Shizda from LORDS An English Medium School, Dhaka and Champion was Aminur Rahman Sazim from N. Alam Merit Care School, Dhaka.
Category 13-14 years: 2nd Runner-up was Quazi Jorjis Nivaan from Playpen School, Dhaka, Runner-up was WAFIQ KARIM from Universal Tutorial, Dhaka, and champion was Birshreshtha Munshi Abdur Rouf public College, Dhaka. From Lidika Rahman.
Besides, the Excellence Award was given to Jadeeda Jawad Trana from Nawab Faizunnesa Govt Girls’ High School, Cumilla.
Shahida Sultana, Executive Cell and PEPZ, Director General Prime Minister’s Office was present as the chief guest at the event. She said, – “Power to change the world in the hands of small scientists! They will take our country forward in the coming days. Hands-on science education is very important to make science and technology-based learning enjoyable. In particular, I believe that the Space Exploration Olympiad will play an even greater role in inspiring today’s generation to explore space science.
Program Chair American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB) Pro Vice Chancellor Dr. Md. Abdur Rahman said – “Through this kind of program, children and adolescents can learn new things that will accelerate their academic activities, we are always with these activities of Bangladesh Innovation Forum. And will be in the future.
Md. Jisan Rahman, Business Manager of ACI Limited, the main partner of the Olympiad, said – “ACI has been working for a long time in the development of children’s talent. We have joined this Olympiad and congratulate those who have received the final A award today and with such activities in the future. ACI will continue to extend its utmost support.”
The event was also attended by Mr. Ariful Hasan Opu, President of Bangladesh Innovation Forum, and Mohammad Mahdi Uz Zaman, Country Head of Space Exploration Olympiad USA.
The event was co-organized by National Museum of Science and Technology, Academic Partner American International University of Bangladesh (AIUB) and Knowledge Partner Creative Junior, IT Partner E-Soft.