The Department of Science and Technology-Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) is set to roll out a mobile science learning facility around the Philippines.
According to a recent press release, this initiative will provide senior high school students a glimpse of the emerging science careers.
What is nuLab?
“nuLab” is the Department’s second science bus for Filipino learners.
It follows after the success of the Science Explorer, which has served around 32,000 elementary and high school students in more than 100 municipalities all over the country since 2010.
While the Science Explorer mostly caters to younger students, nuLab is primarily intended for senior high school students.
The nuLab will be covering advanced science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) modules that feature several topics.
The topics are nanotechnology, aerospace engineering, nuclear science, earthquake risk analysis, science media literacy, programming, oceanography, robotics, entomology, and environmental science.
The modules are especially designed to help students discover their potentials in the various STEM fields.
It will also serve as a way to encourage them to take tertiary courses where they are most inclined to succeed and excel.
How will it work?
The launch of the new science bus happened during the recent 2019 National Science and Technology Week (NSTW).
It offers a modern mobile learning environment that can help pique the interest of students in the sciences. It can accommodate 24 students in one session and hold two sessions per day.
It is equipped with huge interactive board, individual monitor for students, laboratory-grade equipment, and wireless sensors, among others.
Top young scientists, engineers, and science communicators are slated to facilitate modules, which they have developed with curriculum experts, to senior high school students from various schools in Metro Manila.
As for nuLabs’ first-ever road trip, nuLab is scheduled to visit the province of Ilocos Norte on 17 – 19 September 2019.
It will then cross the sea for the first time as it is scheduled to serve students in Iloilo on 21-24 October 2019.
It will be closing the year by inspiring students in Bontoc, Mt. Province on 18 – 22 November 2019.
Providing an opportunity for education
As reported, DOST-SEI Director Dr Josette Biyo expressed hope that nuLab would be as successful as the Science Explorer in reaching out to target beneficiaries.
In nuLab, the students are encouraged to apply to the DOST-SEI Undergraduate Scholarships, which is the Agency’s flagship program.
She added that 98% of the municipalities all over the country have already at least one DOST scholar, which is a testament that many young Filipinos are interested in pursuing S&T careers.
DOST Secretary Fortunato T. de la Peña, meanwhile, wants to widen their reach even further and get scholars from far-flung areas.
Having nuLab on the road is the Department’s way of reaching out to every young Filipino in different sides of the country.
It is also their way of providing every young Filipino with access to various advanced learning tools in the field of science and technology.
