Sci-TechKnoFest 2004, the Caribbean's premier science and technology festival and NIHERST's major undertaking in promoting Science and Technology for all, was held at the Centre of Excellence, Macoya, from November 17th-28th. This year's theme, "Energy Odyssey" explored the scientific concepts, technologies and innovations in the energy sector including some alternative sources of energy. The Centre of Excellence was transformed into a world where human energy, oil and gas, wind, water and the power of electricity and the sun took on a whole new dimension.

The National Gas Company of Trinidad and Tobago, NIHERST's long-standing partner in science popularisation, came on board as the major sponsor of Sci-TechKnoFest 2004. Also partnering with NIHERST in bringing science, technology and innovation to the people of Trinidad and Tobago, were the Ministry of Science, Technology and Tertiary Education, the Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries, and the National Lotteries Control Board. Through their collaborative efforts, NIHERST and its partners seek to ensure that the festival benefits a wide cross section of our society.

The festival was formally opened by the Minister of Science, Technology and Tertiary Education, The Honourable Colm Imbert. The dynamic Opening Ceremony featured remarks from major stakeholders, intertwined with dramatic pieces by the Trinidad Theatre Workshop. Dignitaries then proceeded on a tour of the exhibition.

There was a lot to see and experience on the Sci-TechKnoFest exhibit floor. Over thirty (30) organisations from the public and private sectors exhibited under the festival's Energy theme. Featured were appealing displays on Oil and Gas, Electrical Energy, Renewable and Alternative Energy Sources, Energy in the Human Body, Energy in Plants and Animals, Energy and the Environment, and Creative Energy, which together provided a comprehensive overview of the theme.

The presentations in the area of oil and gas took visitors on a journey from formation to exploration, production and distribution to safety and the various career options in the industry, no stone was left unturned. In the areas examining energy in plants and animals, visitors also learned how plants and animals acquire and use their energy, about photosynthesis and respiration, food chains and the cycle of energy conversion. They also got a sound understanding of how human beings harvest energy from their food. Also on display were exhibits on electrical energy, illustrating among other things, how power is supplied to homes and businesses and the technologies available in some of the amazing new age appliances on the market. Energy and the environment delved into the impact of the energy sector on the environment and examined issues such as environmental health and safety. Visitors were also taken beyond fossil fuels to investigate the various means of harnessing those alternative energy sources available to man.

Mascots Wow, Flow and Stuff encouraged visitors to "Go Creative" at Sci-TechKnoFest 2004, as they took them on a journey through the creative process. Patrons also got the opportunity to learn about some of Trinidad & Tobago's creative nationals and their own creative energy. A special art gallery featuring pieces from local artists as well as a display on the steelpan showcased creative energy in both music and art.

YAPOLLO, NIHERST's travelling exhibition, was bigger and better than ever with a fantastic collection of Energy exhibits. Patrons were able to experience the bright lights of Jacob's ladder, unmask the mysteries of how oil is trapped, and had one on one interaction with some of our special locally developed exhibits like Porosity, Viscosity and Magnetic Pendulum. Engaging activity spaces on Magnetism, the Carbon Cycle, Simple Molecules, the Human Body and A World with and without Petroleum, together with some of the old favourites such as merry go round and bike generator delighted the youngsters. Astronomy at Sci-TechKnoFest was truly an "Out of this World" experience with the NSC planetaria and booths by the Trinidad & Tobago Astronomical Society and CARINA.

Energy Makes Things Go, a creative area for pre-schoolers, taught visitors in the under seven age group about energy in and around the home. Activities focused on energy in their own bodies, energy in household devices, even how energy drives some of their favourite toys. A beautiful windmill display, illustrated wind energy in action.

The Sci-TechKnoFest laboratories were the place to be for all aspiring scientists. The excitement "heated" up in the Solar Lab located in the car park as patrons who dared to challenge the heat, were able to investigate the power of the Sun with lots of fun activities. In the Energy Lab, students, teachers and parents alike made waves with the shake, rattle and roll earthquake board and saw just how energy changes with different chemical processes. Also attracting quite a crowd, was the Energy Arcade, with over thirty (30) computers with fun educational games such as "Race along the Pipeline" and "Energy Hangman".

In the TechKno Theatre, both local and international talent were on display. Mik Jacobs, an award winning entertainer from Orlando, Florida, delivered an exhilarating show called Blazing Science on the science of energy, fire and fire safety. Mik had the crowd intrigued, revealing to them some of the tricks used in action movie stunts. Internationally renowned performers, Mike and Wendy Gluyas presented Musical Squares, an exciting, comical audio-visual show that explores the many aspects of sound and hearing. Mike and Wendy immersed the audience in a world of scintillating experiments and demonstrations, fantastic sound effects and lots and lots of laughter holding true to their watchwords "Science is Fun".

Grossology by Sylvia Branzei was certainly not for the fainthearted, as it explored "the science of really gross things" including our most natural bodily functions. The youngsters, were especially thrilled to see fake barf made from your everyday kitchen materials. Moms Beware! Many left excited to share with their friends the latest addition to their vocabulary, "rhinotillexomania" aka "nose-picking".

Audiences could not stop raving about the Science Circus and Ringmaster Extraordinaire Rhys Thomas, as he delivered an energetic and thoroughly entertaining show that included glass bowl spinning, dagger juggling on a unicycle and more "you've got to see it to believe it" type stunts. Visitors were kept at the edge of their seats with Rhys' display of "clear science and crazy shenanigans" as they learnt about centripetal forces, gravity, and inertia.

The Trinidad Theatre Workshop (TTW), the Bagasse Company, and very special performances by the youngsters of the NIHERST/NGC Science Club delighted audiences at Sci-TechKnoFest. The TTW plays featured characters such as the Midnight Oiler, Gaseous Granade and Atomic Aunty in fantastic costuming reminiscent of traditional carnival characters. In their dramatic presentations critical themes such as energy conservation, alternative energy sources and oil & gas were brought to the fore. Glen Davis and Christine Johnson of the Bagasse Company performed an enjoyable piece on creativity called "You Can Do It Too".

Tying everything together was the Festival Centrepiece, a spectacular work of art, which featured large colourful figures, wheels in motion, windmills and streamers. The entire piece was designed to display energy in motion. But beyond this, in the mind of its creator, the elements intertwine and weave a picture reminiscent of the rainbow blend that is our people.

Sci-TechKnoFest 2004 has played a major role in NIHERST's mission to engender in the people of Tinidad & Tobago, a desire to embrace wholeheartedly a culture of science and innovation. Through the festival NIHERST has given prominence to the impact these have on citizens' everyday life. Sci-TechKnoFest has attracted approximately twenty-five thousand visitors from schools and communities all across Trinidad & Tobago. With its sensational science shows, enlightening and enriching exhibits, fun, educational activities and so much more, Sci-TechKnoFest has exhibited why the festival is indeed, the leading "edu-tainment" event in the region.