CAMIGUIN (PIA)--The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) spearheads the upgrading of Camiguin National High School's (CNHS) physical science and biology laboratory through the deployment of science laboratory equipment and the installation of DOST Interactive Education Technologies (IETs).
The DOST IETs that will be installed in CNHS include the Outbreak Vanguard and What-If Hypothetical Implementations in Minecraft (WHIMC), innovations funded by DOST-Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD).
Outbreak Vanguard is a mobile game-based learning tool that provides a fun and interactive way of learning about disease prevention and health awareness. It can also serve as supplementary material for health lessons done inside the classroom.
It keeps learning fun with the following features: immersive levels, learning while one plays, and easy integration with the school setting.
WHIMC is a computer simulation that engages, excites, and generates interest and engagement in STEM. WHIMC leverages Minecraft Java Edition as a learning environment for learners to interactively explore the scientific consequences of alternative versions of Earth via "what if?" questions, such as "What if the earth had no moon?" or "What if the earth were twice its current size?" as well as other emerging astronomy inquiries, like "What would it take to terraform Mars?"
The project also includes the acquisition of science apparatus such as microscopes and chemistry sets. Students at CNHS can use these tools to conduct experiments and learn about science in a more practical way.
Around 1,500 students are expected to benefit from this collaborative project made possible through the Community Empowerment through Science and Technology (CEST) program of DOST.
DOST Provincial Director Joanne Katherine Banaag emphasized the need to continuously upgrade the laboratories in public schools.
"Science laboratories are considered a vital means of instruction as they supply detailed information, provide training in observation, and upsurge students’ interests," she said.
She also added that DOST is excited about the outcome of this intervention for the students. "I would also like to thank the efforts of Engr. Jun Quiblat for initiating this. We hope that through this facility, we can agitate the brilliant minds of our youth to pursue science and technology-related courses in college," she said.
The upgrade was launched through the fund turnover, June 6, 2023, at the CNHS premises. Among the highlights of the turnover are the brief discussion of the stipulations of the Memorandum of Agreement and the site visit of the school's Science laboratory.
The upgrading of CNHS’ science laboratory is part of DOST10’s efforts to improve the quality of science education in Camiguin and in all parts of the region. The project is expected to help CNHS students develop their critical thinking and problem-solving skills and become more interested in the fields of science, technology, and innovation.
CNHS school principal Emma B. Bacuahon gave her full commitment to achieving the expected deliverables of the project and said that this undertaking will help to improve the school’s science education program.
"With this initiative made by DOST, I am very thankful that CNHS was chosen to be a beneficiary of the CEST program. We truly expect that through this support, more students will undergo S&T courses in the future, and our school is confident that the students will make good use of the upgraded science laboratory."
Present at the event were the science teachers of Camiguin National High School, Michael S. Pabualan, Fabio A. Capito Jr, Nimfa T. Abregana together with Christine S. Jardin, science research specialist II of PSTO Camiguin, Nice Nerjay C. Delada, project technical assistant III, and Troy Anthony A. Omol, project technical assistant I. (DOST/PIA-10/Camiguin)
