BAYER managing director Vincenzo Langella
Just how much enjoyable scientific experiments could be was demonstrated at the recent launch of the Bayer Smiling Kiddie Einsteins (BSKE) series, a science module cosponsored by Bayer Philippines and Inquirer in Education to encourage elementary school pupils to love and appreciate science subjects.
At SM Mall of Asia Exploreum, the faces of 27 kids from Canlubang Elementary School (CES) in Laguna province were wreathed in smiles as they performed experiments with their teachers.
Also in attendance were 44 elementary school science teachers—from as far north as Tarlac province to as far south as Camarines Sur province—who signed up as partner teachers for the series. They have agreed to conduct the experiments in their science classes. They will receive free copies of the Inquirer for their students every Tuesday for the six weeks that the series will run.
Vincenzo Langella, managing director of the global company that produces health-care and agricultural products as well as high-tech polymer materials for everyday use, said in his
KIDS learn fromAutobot Aren how to notmake a balloon pop.
welcome remarks that the BSKE series was designed to better acquaint young learners with how science improves lives through innovations not just in technology but also in health.
Learning section editor Chelo Banal-Formoso said that with the series, teachers would have a chance to give their students a hands-on experience, as well as prove that science was not a boring subject but fun and functional.
Autobot Aren and Petal Pat of Mad Science Philippines, a group that specializes in dynamic science “edutainment,” gave the participants a sneak peek into the series that will appear every Tuesday beginning Nov. 11 in this section of the Inquirer.
Their first offering was the balloon skewer experiment, which showed the elastic property of an inflated balloon that prevented it from popping even when pierced with a skewer. They also showed the unique properties of polymer, which can take the shape of its container, like liquid does, and can also be held like a solid matter.
TEACHERS get a turn at learning about science.
Mad Science then presented the health-related weak bone and tooth cast experiments, which showed the importance of calcium in the body, and the lava lamp, which was meant to replicate blood vessels.
The slush experiment used sodium polyacrylate (a sodium salt of polyacrylic acid that can absorb as much as 200-300 times its mass in water) as a substitute for soil. The vortex and cloud experiments, which used dry ice, illustrated how wind helps in plant pollination and how clouds are seeded to provide the rain that plants need to survive.
The participants were divided into two groups. While one group performed the experiments in a laboratory set up for the purpose, the other went around the Exploreum to enjoy educational movies, games, tests and other activities.
Bayer employees helped communications and public affairs manager Reynaldo “Cedi” Cutanda ensure the event’s smooth flow. The volunteers were Xyza Presentacion, Freysinett Logo,
THE BAYER Philippines volunteers who helped out during the launch, with BSKE primemover Cedi Cutanda (foreground, left)
Rhea Ramirez, Rhon Garcia, Kristine Mae Barias, Celsa Quimio, Renando Otog Solis, Audrey Wuethrich, Maria Teresa Gimenez, Reymark Ibuna, Mary Katherine Igban, Alejandro Aguilando Jr., Zenaida Garcia, Augustus Rex Llorente and Anna Liza Amil.
Since Bayer has close ties with CES, no less than principal Zenaida N. Tablada led her teachers Vivien O. Bonzon, Janice A. Padua, Ma. Nelissa C. Mital, Emerenciana A. Pesigan, Melodina P. Centeno, Ma. Elena G. Dalisay, Ligaya Martir, Leilani Fortu and Annaliza Ramirez.
In the National Capital Region, the partner teachers are Wyeth Jo M. Cadauan (Kabayan Elementary School), Limmuel J. Opao (Ninoy Aquino Elementary School), Roni P. Sapad (Timoteo Paez Elementary School), Ciely O. Musa and Michaela V. Espiritu (Maximo Estrella Elementary School), Lorice Jean L. Viesca and Lovely Gidayawan (San Juan Elementary School); Elvira R. Canilao, Rhea G. Sinigayan and Razeale S. Fabreag (Isaac Lopez Integrated School), and Narciso G. Berona, Aura C. Aguilar, James C. Quintayo, Ma. Lourdes R. Gascon, Carol Ornido Gatchalian, Annabelle P. Mugau and Eileen A. Garcia (Pembo Elementary School).
PARTNER science teachers from mostly public elementary schools from as far north as Tarlac province and as far south as Camarines Sur province do a “Class Act” with Langella
(in white, last row).
The public schools outside Metro Manila are represented by Norbert M. Pineda (Meycauayan West Central School), Ma. Teresa Carpio Martinez (Bayugo Elementary School), Walbert Z. Rizado (Marin Elementary School), Brenda Rose Muñoz (Mansgold Elementary School), Randy G. Salvador (St. Vincent of Quebiawan Integrated School), Roberto Santos Jr. (Santa Rita Elementary School), Ruby Marie T. Pardinas (Grijalvo Elementary School), and Maribel G. Advincula, Monette V. de Leon and Francia C. Beriso (Zapote Elementary School).
From the private schools, the partner teachers are Rosemarie F. Villaroman and Digna A. Flojo (Light House Christian Academy Foundation), Rose May R. Brigino and Aissa V. Samarita (Lombosco Academy), and Christine Yap and Mylyn Botalon (Southville International School and Colleges).
There will be another briefing for teachers who signed up but could not make it to the Exploreum workshop. Text or call 0929-7779585, or e-mail learning@inquirer.com.ph for details. Partner teachers: Visit the Inquirer in Education page on Facebook (www.facebook.com/InqLearning).
PHOTOS BY ROMY HOMILLADA