The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) rolled-out an interactive science exhibit at Tarlac National High School (TNHS).

The Regional Mobile Science Centrum features a total of 22 stations that promote science culture, and allow learners to understand and experience science concepts first hand.

DOST Provincial Director Karen Dañez emphasized the advantage of interactive and visual education in sparking curiosity and interest in science, technology and innovation.

“We want students to experience real science. In classrooms, we teach them the concepts and theories but sometimes there are concepts that are hard to explain. Interactive experiences enhance understanding and improve retention of scientific concepts,” she explained.

Students may explore Colored Shadows, Rope Puzzle, Plasma Sphere, Body Beat, Cloud Rings, Air Cannon, Ring Bubbles, Gravity Well, Newton’s Cradle, Pendulum Wave, Cartesian Diver, and Magic Faucet.

Also, Watch Me Pedal, Archimedes’ Screw, Cyclone, Momentum Machine, Head on a Platter, Whisper Dishes, Pedal Power, Anti-Gravity Mirror, Bernouli Blower, and Van De Graaff Generator.

Dañez underscored that the interactive science exhibit aims to encourage students to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) to address the shortage of researchers, scientists and engineers (RSEs) in the Philippines.

She said the country’s 270 RSEs per million population failed to meet the standard of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

According to UNESCO, a country needs 380 RSEs per million to be able to take off towards industrialization.

“We hope that through this activity, we can foster a culture of science and innovation that value creativity, experimentation and problem solving. We hope to have more students pursuing STEM careers,” she noted.

DOST offers scholarships to high school, college and post-graduate students taking science and technology programs or courses.

Meanwhile, Department of Education Schools Division Office of Tarlac Province Administrative Officer Manuel Bulos thanked the DOST for bringing scientific knowledge and equipment closer to the community.

“We are thrilled to embark on a journey with you [DOST] that fosters passion for science among youth, and nurtures their potential in the field of science and technology. This has a great impact in molding the future scientists of our nation,” he said.

The Regional Mobile Science Centrum is a project of DOST Central Luzon under the Community Empowerment thru Science and Technology program.

After TNHS, its next stop in Tarlac will be Don Bosco Technical Institute. (PIA 3)