Second Qatar e-nature schools contest kicks off

The Supreme Education Council (SEC), Sasol, and Friends of the Environment Centre (FEC) Sunday launched the second edition of 'Qatar e-Nature' Schools Contest with new questions and updated data.
The mobile application is expanded to include mammals and reptiles to the existing information on plants, birds, and insects. There will also be questions about the parties organising the contest, organisers said at a media conference today.
The SEC will promote the use of the application in Qatar's schools and encourage the participation of students in the contest. The SEC has supported the Qatar e-Nature application due to its value in educating children about nature in Qatar.
The Qatar e-Nature app was launched in Arabic and English in December 2013 to promote awareness of Qatar's environment and diverse nature. Yearly school contests provide the incentive to students to explore the new elements and content.
Speaking at the launch, Education Institute's Office of Curricula Standards Director Rima Abu Khadija said, "Qatar is a pioneer in using technology in education and improving students' academic achievements. The use of the application in Qatari schools through yearly contests will enrich students' knowledge of the environment." She appreciated Sasol, the international integrated energy and chemical company, and the FEC for their efforts in developing Qatar e-Nature application.
FEC Chairman Dr. Saif Al-Hajari said, "We are pleased to reintroduce this unique app to schools through this contest. We are honoured that Qatar e-Nature was recognized at the Third Government Summit in Dubai, UAE, as mobile application specialists selected it to receive the award in the environment category. The prize highlights the positive environmental impact we are having with this application." Sasol Qatar President Marjo Louw said, "The launch of the Qatar e-Nature schools contest for the second year demonstrates our commitment to promoting environmental knowledge through this educational app. Technology like this application can spread awareness of environmental issues." Qatar e-Nature schools contest is open to students in all Qatari schools up to May 5, 2015. The contest can be accessed via the application on a smartphone or tablet, or via web browser at contest.enature.qa.
Participants can find the correct answers to the contest's questions on mammals, reptiles, birds, plants, and insects by browsing through the app content.
Students can also enter a photo taken of nature in Qatar for the chance to win. Prizes will be awarded at a ceremony to be held end of May to individuals in each grade level, as well as to the top five schools with highest participation in the contest. The grand prize will be a trip to South Africa, with other prizes including the latest iPads and iPhones, organisers said.
The user-friendly Qatar e-Nature app is available for download free of charge on Apple App Store, Google Play store for Android, Windows Phone Store, and BlackBerry App World.
A web version of the app (www.enature.qa) is also available for desktop access. Latest developments and more information can be found on the Qatar e-Nature social media pages on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.