Summer just got “cooler” for eight high schools in Dumaguete and Siquijor Island.This, as the Department of Science and Technology-Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) with scientists from the University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute and the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration simultaneously conducted the 2017 Climate Science Boot Camp recently in the areas.
With the theme “Oceans and Climate Towards a Resilient Planet”, it highlighted the role of the youth in building resilient communities in the midst of the issue on global warming.
Two separate teams of scientist-mentors conducted whole-day sessions in Dauin National High School, Ramon Teves Pastor Memorial Dumaguete Science High School, Dumaguete City High School and Zamboanguita Science High School in Dumaguete, and in Leon Parami High School, Cabulihan Integrated School, Banban National High School and Siquijor Provincial Science High School in Sqiuijor.
The activity was a “miniaturized” version of the annual Climate Science Camp organized by DOST-SEI, which normally lasts 10 days, and includes exposure trips in marine ecosystems. The reboot is based on the earlier moratorium set by the Department of Education advising units to postpone field trips until full review of guidelines had been conducted.
According to Dr. Josette Biyo, director of DOST-SEI, this year’s Boot Camp sought to condense the modules of the usual Science Camp and made it as interactive as the original activity to maintain the quality and effectiveness of learning.
“The Summer Camp over the years proved to be highly effective venues for learning what scientists in the field do and allowed our Campers to immerse to communities and directly see the impacts of climate change. It has invited students to really venture into science courses, and we’re very happy about it,” she said. “But we have to follow the rules, and so, we had to challenge ourselves to make the Camp as interesting and inviting to our students whom we want to be part of the science community.”
The Boot Camp featured lectures and games on climate, oceanography, storm surges, marine food web, and resiliency. UP MSI scientists and Pagasa weather forecasters facilitated the activities.
“Overall, we’re glad that the activity was able to bring science and the issues related to it closer to the students of Negros Oriental. We look forward to conducting a more intensive Summer Camp in those areas in the future,” Biyo disclosed. S&T Media Service