Science Explorer: A mobile interactive learning facility

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) recently launched the country’s first mobile interactive learning facility in a bid to address the lack of science laboratory equipment in schools.

Ester Ogena, director of the DOST’s Science Education Institute, said the bus, dubbed the “Science Explorer,” will provide schools with access to audio-visual equipment, interactive exhibits, and various learning materials that will be helpful in facilitating learning among students. 

Ogena said the Science Explorer seeks to present science and technology as a fun and interactive learning experience with out-of-the-box activities not usually done in the classroom. 

“As of last year, we only have 4,060 high school science laboratories, out of the 5,359 public high schools we have. What is more appalling is the nationwide ratio of pupils to science laboratories at 1,325:1,” she said.

Ogena said the Science Explorer, being the first of its kind in the country, will bring a new face to science education.

“The Science Explorer will energize students’ enthusiasm in science, technology, and mathematics with its unique way of learning concepts and ideas in science,” she said.

For its initial offering, Ogena said the Science Explorer will delve on space science as its launch coincides with the opening of the country’s commemoration of the 2010 World Space Week, an annual celebration of man’s first venture into outer space.

Ogena said she hopes the Science Explorer will be available to schools wanting to have a unique science experience. 

“We encourage our school heads to call up our office and book the Science Explorer. It is our students’ ride to the future,” she said. 

Interested schools may call the SEI office at 837-1925.