A Young Explorer’s Journey into Science and Sustainability – Samina Khanyari General Manager, Jumeirah International Nurseries
“Mum, why does Dubai feel hotter in summer”, “Why is inside of our house cooler even when it’s hot and sunny”, “Can we make our own water like the clouds do”
These were just some of the endless questions my son, Sultan, asked as a child. Like most young learners, he was fascinated by the world around him. Instead of simply giving him answers, I encouraged him to experiment, observe, and discover—and unknowingly, I was introducing him to coined world of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). What started as a child’s curiosity soon became hands-on learning. By the time he was six, Sultan was not just asking questions—he was finding ways to solve real problems. He built a simple solar oven, created a rainwater collection system for our plants, and even tested ways to keep rooms cool without using the AC. Without realising it, he had started his journey as a young eco-warrior, using STEM to protect the planet.
Children between the ages of 3 and 8 are at the perfect stage to explore science through play. We can teach them how to save energy, conserve water, and reduce waste all while having fun! Here are some hands-on activities inspired by Sultan’s experiments:
- Solar-Powered Snack Warmer (Ages 5-8)
- Concept: Renewable Energy & Heat Transfer
Sultan was fascinated by how the roads shimmered under the sun and asked if sunlight could be used for cooking. Using a pizza box, foil, and plastic wrap, he built a mini solar oven to melt chocolate on biscuits! This fun experiment teaches children about solar energy and how the UAE harnesses the sun’s power for electricity.
Extra Challenge: Track the temperature using a thermometer and compare results at different times of the day.
- Water Saver Challenge (Ages 3-6)
- Concept: Water Conservation & Measurement
Living in Dubai, water is precious. Sultan once asked, “What if we had no water?”—a powerful question for a young child. We started a “Water Saver Challenge,” where he measured how much water we used for brushing, washing hands, and watering plants.
He quickly found ways to reduce waste, like using a cup while brushing or reusing clean water for plants.
Extra Challenge: Mark a water level on a bottle and try to use less than that amount in a day.
- Floating vs. Sinking (Ages 3-6)
- Concept: Buoyancy & Recycling
After watching wooden dhow boats float in Dubai Creek, Sultan wondered why some things sink and others float. We tested different objects—spoons, plastic bottles, wooden blocks—and talked about how boats are designed to stay afloat. Later, he used recycled plastic bottles to make a floating raft for his toys, learning that recycling can be fun and useful!
Extra Challenge: Try adding weights to see how much the raft can hold before sinking.
- Nature’s Air Conditioner (Ages 6-8)
- Concept: Cooling & Sustainable Engineering
One summer, Sultan noticed that the shaded areas under palm trees were much cooler than open spaces. This led to a fun experiment—could we cool a room without an air conditioner? We placed damp cloths in front of a fan, created a homemade air cooler using ice and a bowl.
Extra Challenge: Compare temperatures in shaded vs. unshaded areas using a simple thermometer.
Sultan’s journey showed me how STEM can turn everyday curiosity into real-world solutions. By the time he turned ten, Sultan wasn’t just asking why—he was asking what if. “What if we powered schools with solar panels?” “What if we replaced plastic bags with plant-based ones?” His ideas grew bigger, and so did his passion for solving environmental challenges.
Now, at 20, he applies STEM thinking in ways I never imagined. His latest project, Raha, is an AI-driven app he designed that supports mental health. But his early experiments with sustainability taught him one thing—that science isn’t just about knowing facts; it’s about using knowledge to create change. The future lies in our children’s ability to think critically, ask questions, and experiment with solutions. The real answer to why isn’t just knowing—it’s discovering how to make things better, the What if?