Making science fun

"Fun" is the best word to describe the Family Science Project recently launched by Caltex Phils. in Batangas, where it maintains a refinery.

"It is meant to make learning the sciences easier through practical experiments that can be performed even at home," said Karen Ostlund, president of the Council for Elementary Science International in Texas, USA, and one of the trainers that Caltex brought to the country to launch the project. "The beauty of this project is that it involves not only the students but the parents as well so that education does not stop after school hours."

A similar project was launched by Caltex’s parent company, Chevron Texaco, in the United States. Like their American counterparts, interest in mathematics and the sciences–the engines of economic development– are waning among Filipino students.

Pilot

Developed by the Lawrence Hall of Science at the University of California in Berkeley, a key component of the program is showing teachers how to insert practical experiments into the curriculum.

"This has been a big help to the students," said Lilia Perez, master teacher at San Pascual Central School, one of two public schools involved in the program. "They are amazed by the scientific instruments and they want to try them all. The experiments help them understand better what is being taught. They are no longer intimidated by the lessons because they are fun."

The Philippine pilot, which initially covers 3,000 grades four to six students, is part of the P10 million allotted by Caltex Phils. for socially-oriented projects.