New mobile science lab excites students in Bulacan

When the NuLab:STEM in Motion mobile science lab of the Department of Science and Technology-Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) arrived in the rural town of San Rafael, Bulacan on Feb 27, the students of Maronquillo National High School did not expect they were going on an exciting and fun-filled science adventure.

Unlike the Science Explorer that visited them in 2015, the bright yellow NuLab bus was more spacious, mimicking a science laboratory setup equipped with more interactive and state-of-the-art facilities. The bus was intended primarily for senior high school students with advanced science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) modules focusing on science and technology careers, and facilitated by the country’s top scientists and experts.

In one session, students were amazed as they explored the hitherto unseen world of microbes. The module, discussed by the University of the Philippines-Diliman Assistant Professor Mark Tolentino, was an introduction to microbiology and allowed the students to peer into a microscope for the first time. 

Another enjoyable STEM session was the chemistry experiment on light and colors, facilitated by Michelle Macalingmot of the Philippine Science High School. Using a colorimeter, students were able to identify the amount of light absorbed by different solutions.

Meanwhile, the sky viewing and astronomy session by Lordnico Mendoza of DOST-Pagasa was a favorite among students and teachers as they got the chance to glimpse the moon, the planet Jupiter, and the different constellations through the telescopes installed by the NuLab team. Inside the bus, students virtually traveled around the world and outer space using the astronomy software Stellarium. 

During NuLab’s four-day visit to Maronquillo, up to 250 junior and senior high school students discovered their potential in STEM.

“I learned a lot, and most importantly, we enjoyed the activities. We are so grateful that you’re willing to help students become interested in science, and for allowing us to be part of this program,” said Clariza Valderama, a Grade 11 student in the ABM strand who now considers taking a STEM-related course in college. (Story and photos courtesy of DOST-SEI Media Relations)