DoST fosters fun, fair STEM learning in NuLab bus
YOUNG learners of Bataan embarked on an unforgettable science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) experience as they explored NuLab: STEM in Motion of the Department of Science and Technology-Science Education Institute (DoST-SEI).
The NuLab yellow bus blends fun and learning, bringing science to life and engaging young minds in the different scientific wonders and fascinations surrounding life.
“The NuLab experience was really fun and exciting. The [scientific] explanations were well done. It was truly engaging, and it’s definitely one experience that I will always remember,” said Gabriel Barbosa, a Grade 10 student from Pagalanggang National High School.
One thing that stood out and stuck with them about their NuLab experience was the sense of justice and equality it had given them since day one.
“I learned that no matter how our status may be — rich or poor — we can have opportunities, such as those given by DoST, that will help us get a chance to realize our strengths, choose our desired courses, and reach our goals or successes in life,” the student added.
Students of Bataan, like Barbosa, were the first student visitors of NuLab in 2024.
The DoST-SEI NuLab mobile learning facility made its first road trip of the year in Bataan, catering to more than 300 high school students and 100 elementary students from 15 different public and private schools in various municipalities from Jan. 29 to Feb. 3, 2024.
During the five-day road trip, the students were immersed in modules about Marine Science, Weather Science, Data Science, Earth Science and the Internet of Things (IoT).
Among those who led the five modules were NuLab’s new lecturers JC Peralta and Ma. Rica Dungog.
Peralta, a DoST scholar from the Ateneo de Manila University, led the module on Data Science, providing the students with a foundational understanding of computer vision models and their real-world applications, such as image recognition, object detection, and facial recognition.
Dungog, a resident facilitator of DoST-SEI’s Climate Science Youth Camp and a first-time lecturer of NuLab, led the module on Marine Science, introducing the natural phenomenon called “upwelling” and how it contributes substantially to productivity in the system of fisheries.
The road trip in Bataan made more worthwhile learning for the students with sessions of resident STEM experts from NuLab like Robert Badrina, who led the module on Weather Science; Warner Carag on Earth Science; and Angelo Samson Javier on IoT.
All five modules centered on various introductory lessons related to the diverse fields of STEM, great foundation topics to bolster their skills, knowledge, and understanding of the strand.
Through the assistance of the DoST Provincial Science and Technology Office-Bataan, the Department of Education (DepEd)-Bataan, and the host schools, NuLab’s visit to the province championed DoST-SEI’s goal to empower the Filipino youth in the field of science and prove that science is for everyone — a space for those people who aim to make a change and create a positive difference.
NuLab’s weeklong road trip in Bataan went along with the conduct of DoST-SEI’s “Push4Science: Maging DoST Scholar Ka” campaign, a perfect way to start the year right by pushing for science and reaching more deserving aspiring science scholars in various provinces.