Fresh from the commemoration of the Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Week hosted by the Department of Science and Technology (DoST) Negros Oriental, a remarkable educational initiative is making waves, offering high school students a transformative journey into the world of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
The Department of Science and Technology – Science Education Institute (DoST-SEI), in partnership with DoST Region 7 through the DoST Negros Oriental, is leading the charge with its innovative project known as nuLab, a mobile science laboratory on wheels.
The nuLab Dumaguete Roadtrip was part of the week-long celebration held last month in Dumaguete City.
At the heart of the nuLab initiative is the goal to ignite the passion for STEM among high school students.
“The nuLab is a more advanced science laboratory for our high school students. It offers varied modules on STEM, and we would like students to discover their potentials in different fields of STEM,” explained Candy Ilaw of the DoST-SEI.
The nuLab initiative offers hands-on experiences for students to explore diverse aspects of science and technology beyond their regular classrooms. It distinguishes itself from the Science Explorer bus by focusing on guiding students toward DoST scholarships and providing the STEM Career Guidebook. NuLab adopts a flexible approach, offering modules like Science Communication tailored to the local context of Dumaguete, allowing students to connect with their surroundings.
Loraine Joyce Del Rosario, a DoST scholar herself, shared her enthusiasm for being a part of the nuLab Dumaguete Roadtrip.
“Seeing the emotions and the sparkle in the students’ eyes, the ‘wow’ factor, I feel like it’s making them more interested in science. It brings me joy and fulfillment to somehow and, hopefully, desire that they will be able to pursue science and technology-related careers in the future because of what they learned while inside the nuLab,” reflected Del Rosario.
Bryce Logronio, a student from Tanjay City Science High School, articulated his experiences while inside the nuLab bus. He highlighted how nuLab has improved his understanding of microbiology through hands-on learning and inspiring guidance from resource persons.
“Thank you for giving us an opportunity to participate in this activity. We have garnered insights on many concepts. We are truly grateful and hope more of this will be organized in the future,” Logronio enthused in gratitude.
“With its innovative approach, dedicated resource persons, and enthusiastic students, nuLab is helping pave the way for a brighter and more technologically advanced future one destination at a time,” according to Engr. Reinhold Jek Abing, Senior Science Research Specialist, DoST 7, and himself a DoST scholar. | NWI
