Young visitors at the ongoing Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) spent the day turning simple household items into moving inventions as they explored the basics of prosthetics and robotic design. Using simple daily materials like cardboards, double-sided tape, straws, strings and stickers, children learned how motion can be created through basic mechanical principles during the popular Autonomous Hands workshop.
The session guided participants as they converted flat paper cutouts into moving hand models, shaping what the organisers described as “motion-filled, expressive characters.” The activity encouraged children to apply imagination while experimenting with early concepts related to robotics.
For 13-year-old Abdul Hadi, the experience sparked new ambitions. “I was picking up the basics of robotics,” he said. “I want to make a bigger one now, maybe one that can pick up small things – like a real robot arm.”
Nine-year-old Mansoor, a Grade 3 student, described the moment his model came to life. “It was amazing to see my hand move when I pulled the strings. It felt like I made my own robot.” Five-year-old Rahma was equally delighted. “My robot hand waved! Next time, I will make it say ‘hello’,” she said.
A workshop facilitator said the aim was to break down perceptions that robotics is only for older students or those working with advanced equipment. “The idea was to show children that robotics isn’t just about wires and codes. With simple tools and creativity, they can animate something of their own making. These little paper hands may look simple but they illustrate the same basic principles used in prosthetics and robotic design,” the facilitator explained. The session also highlighted how science and art come together to form functional moving structures.
Across the fair, another workshop attracted large groups of young science enthusiasts learning how to make lava lamps. Inspired by Thomas M. Willet’s novel Lava Lamp, the activity introduced children to basic chemistry. Participants filled clear plastic cups with water and topped them with cooking oil before adding blue food colouring. Each child then dropped a quarter of a sparkling tablet into the mixture, triggering a lively burst of blue bubbles that rose and popped across the surface.
“Lava lamp is meant to teach the children about the density and chemical action of the water in the oil. It becomes like a mounting lava when you use the three ingredients. Since water is denser than oil, it will settle to the bottom but the bubbles of carbon dioxide gas from the tablet will rise and pop on the surface,” explained trainer Bernie Francie.
The fair’s Outdoor Theatre also drew crowds as ‘Dancing Lights’, a four-member LED troupe, delivered an energetic show. Their neon-lit costumes glowed in bright colours as they performed to hits by Michael Jackson, Justin Timberlake and the Black Eyed Peas, turning the stage into a vibrant mix of light and movement. Children danced along, rounding off a lively day of activities.
SIBF continues at Expo Centre Sharjah until Sunday, November 16, with more events scheduled for families and young learners.
