Children at the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival use principles of physics to
turn recycled materials into car inspired by Carl Benz and sustainable innovation
Sharjah, May 4, 2025
At the bustling Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival (SCRF), the whirr of imagination and the hum of innovation were on full display during the “Internal Combustion Engine workshop”, on Wednesday. The popular workshop had two schools queued up for back-to-back sessions, where plastic bottles, balloon power, and bamboo axles came together to form working model cars.
Led by Asmaeel Alahmad, lead instructor at Aufuq Al Ebdaa, a Sharjah-based education institute, the workshop served as an entry point into the world of sustainability and the ingenuity of early inventors. “This year, all our workshops are themed around science, introducing children to the inventors behind everyday marvels we often take for granted,” said Alahmad. “Today’s session is dedicated to Carl Benz, the mind behind the first combustion engine.”
Children were given recycled materials—PET bottles, bottle caps, bamboo sticks, and balloons—to create their own balloon-powered vehicles. For nine-year-old Salama, creativity came with a splash of personality. She picked a pink balloon for her eco-car, which she described as “faster than it looks.” “I’m taking this home to show my mum and dad,” she said, moments before her friend Salwa chimed in, “My car is faster than hers!”
Khatija, a teacher accompanying Grade 3 pupils from Al Ahliah Charity Private School, said workshops like these make learning exciting. “We bring our students to SCRF every year because it’s such a rich and stimulating environment. I’ve taken notes myself today—our school has a science fair coming up, and the children already want to recreate these experiments.”
Aufuq Al Ebdaa has been a regular participant at SCRF, bringing engaging, educational experiences to festival goers and reinforcing the event’s commitment to interactive, play-based learning.
Now in its 16th edition, the Sharjah Children’s Reading Festival continues to be a vibrant haven for children, packed with workshops, exhibitions, and hands-on activities. This year’s programme features themed zones dedicated to illustration, science, storytelling, and more. The festival is free to attend and runs until May 4 at Expo Centre Sharjah.
For more information, www.scrf.ae.