Abu Dhabi: More than 6,000 children took part in a month-long workshop on astronomy that was organized in Abu Dhabi to encourage youngsters to learn science.

The annual "Reach for the Sky" workshop conducted during Ramadan by the Emirates Foundation for Philanthropy and Mubadala Aerospace also included interactions with the characters of the popular children's television show "Sesame Street".

"The large number of visitors reflected the children's desire to learn more about outer space, astronomy, and the concepts of flight, as well as to enjoy Sesame Street characters," said Abdullah Ismail Abdullah, Senior Advisor to the Foundation's Science, Technology and Environment Programme.

Apart from lessons on space children also learnt to assemble and operate robots.

He said: "Our long term goal is to identify and encourage new scientific talent within the UAE, so that we can eventually create a database of Emiratis willing to serve their country in the fields of science, technology and scientific research."

Shahab Abu Shahab, Manager, Business Development, Mubadala Aerospace, said, "Working on this project with the Emirates Foundation serves our mutual goal of enabling young UAE nationals to gain the skills to be part of this industry."

Dana Abdul Haq, 8, who attended the workshop, said she gained valuable information about the phases of the moon and its relation to the Arabic calendar.

Asia Mohammad, 10, said she enjoyed watching the "Sesame Street" characters performing on stage and the information they passed on about the planets and the solar system.

A Flying Gizmo Show organized by the Museum of Flight was also part of the event to help children learn about the concept of flight and flying creatures. IANS