Today was our last day in Bahrain. It's weird, because it feels like time has absolutely flown by, but at the same time, I find it hard to believe that we have only been here for three days. I suppose that's because we have done so much since day 1. Anywhoo, this was our crazy agenda for today.
Call me crazy, but I was stoked to go visit a school today. The school we visited was a K-12 school, and housed only about 2000 students. When we arrived, the 9th graders were lined up outside in the courtyard. A handful of seniors were apologizing to the students for the senior prank they played last week. The principal was requiring them to apologize to every class level in the school. I'm not exactly sure what they did - I tried to ask some of the kids but all I got was "they vandalize" and a few "they disturbing class" responses. Amateurs.
Kidding...
Our group split into middle school and high school tour groups, and went on our way. We made a few cameos in some classrooms, and had the opportunity to talk to a few teachers as well. Overall, it was a great visit. The school was quaint, but had an abundance of resources. Here are a few pictures I snapped on the tour.
Our next stop brought out the child in me (nerd alert), as well as in several of my fellow group members. Prior to its opening, our group received the privilege of visiting the Bahrain Science Center. The Center is aimed to open this coming school year, and hopes to compliment the science and technology curricula, encouraging teachers to bring in their classes for some inquiry based learning. According to the director of the center, " The role of the Bahrain Science Centre is to promote awareness of the importance of science and technology, complement the school curriculum, stimulate curiosity and innovation, and create a forum for public debate on science and technology issues." Sounds pretty professional. And of course, we all acted like respectable, professional adults while we were there. Proof:
See? Totally professional. This science center was truly amazing, and one that I wish I could bring my students to. Hopefully the U.S. will get it together and develop something like this before I retire. Inquiry-based. Hands-on. Fun. Aligned with the TEKS. Is that too much to ask?
Our final destination today was the site of Bapco, or the Bahrain Petroleum Company. They are one of the sponsor's of the TEACH fellowship program, and provided several of our accommodations during our stay in Bahrain. We sat down to a beautifully catered lunch, and then the head of the company briefed us on the history before giving us a tour of the plant. I'll give you the sparknotes version - Bapco was established in 1930, after a red line agreement led to an oil exploration concession agreement. In 1932, the first discovery of oil in Bahrain was made. Bapco officially opened its refinery in 1936, and has been Bahrain's leading producer of oil and gas ever since. They provide for 89% of the country's oil and gas contribution.
6:45 – 7:45
|
Breakfast
|
8:05
|
Depart from hotel
|
8:30 – 10:00
|
Visit to Ibn Khuldoon National School
|
10:30 – 12:00
|
Visit the new science center
|
12:30-3:00
|
Bapco club lunch and site tour
|
3:30-5:30
|
Bahrain Airport
|
6:10
|
Depart to Qatar - Qatar Airways 0161
|
Call me crazy, but I was stoked to go visit a school today. The school we visited was a K-12 school, and housed only about 2000 students. When we arrived, the 9th graders were lined up outside in the courtyard. A handful of seniors were apologizing to the students for the senior prank they played last week. The principal was requiring them to apologize to every class level in the school. I'm not exactly sure what they did - I tried to ask some of the kids but all I got was "they vandalize" and a few "they disturbing class" responses. Amateurs.
Kidding...
Our group split into middle school and high school tour groups, and went on our way. We made a few cameos in some classrooms, and had the opportunity to talk to a few teachers as well. Overall, it was a great visit. The school was quaint, but had an abundance of resources. Here are a few pictures I snapped on the tour.
 |
| Obviously I had to give the principal some WBI Timberwolf paraphernalia. |
Our next stop brought out the child in me (nerd alert), as well as in several of my fellow group members. Prior to its opening, our group received the privilege of visiting the Bahrain Science Center. The Center is aimed to open this coming school year, and hopes to compliment the science and technology curricula, encouraging teachers to bring in their classes for some inquiry based learning. According to the director of the center, " The role of the Bahrain Science Centre is to promote awareness of the importance of science and technology, complement the school curriculum, stimulate curiosity and innovation, and create a forum for public debate on science and technology issues." Sounds pretty professional. And of course, we all acted like respectable, professional adults while we were there. Proof:
Our final destination today was the site of Bapco, or the Bahrain Petroleum Company. They are one of the sponsor's of the TEACH fellowship program, and provided several of our accommodations during our stay in Bahrain. We sat down to a beautifully catered lunch, and then the head of the company briefed us on the history before giving us a tour of the plant. I'll give you the sparknotes version - Bapco was established in 1930, after a red line agreement led to an oil exploration concession agreement. In 1932, the first discovery of oil in Bahrain was made. Bapco officially opened its refinery in 1936, and has been Bahrain's leading producer of oil and gas ever since. They provide for 89% of the country's oil and gas contribution.
We weren't permitted to take any pictures during the tour, unfortunately. Though it was no comparison to GPIC, it was incredible nonetheless. We depart for Qatar tonight. I'm sad to say goodbye to Bahrin, but I'm looking forward to seeing what Doha is all about.
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