By: Jimlene Delfin and Kynt Nathaniel Tambuson
“Where fun ignites curiosity and fosters learning” Layout edited by: Ashnor Rey Asturias.
In response to the needs of our basic education students, reflected in the results of the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA). A pioneering initiative has been taken by the BSEd- Science students of Central Philippine University, College of Education, spearheaded by Prof. Sarex Dalida Dipol Jr. Acting Director of Community Engagement and Service-Learning Center, and Dr. Regina E. Samillano Program Head of Science Education, together with MSF Dynasty led by Kynt Nathaniel Tambuson. This event sought to bolster students’ proficiency in mathematics, science, critical thinking and creativity.
This activity is the first ever Science Olympics, with a theme, “Where fun ignites curiosity and fosters learning” which aims to develop students’ proficiency in science, creativity, and critical thinking. The BSEd-Science students meticulously planned this activity not only to have fun but also to practice collaboration and develop good rapport and experience towards the subject matter.
The selected participants for this activity are the esteemed learners and faculty of Badiang Elementary School, Barangay Badiang, New Lucena, Iloilo.
The activity started with a heartfelt welcome remark by Prof. Sarex, highlighting the purpose of the activity and proudly introducing the event as the first Science Olympics Activity of the university and how grateful it is for the university to hold it at Badiang Elementary School. The young elementary students wore wide smiles and couldn’t help but giggle uncontrollably as they eagerly awaited the surprise that awaited them from the visiting group. Their excitement was palpable, but so was a hint of caution, considering the unfamiliarity of the visitors. However, as they grasped the concept of the activities and began to unfold, they threw themselves wholeheartedly into the games, showcasing their skills and enthusiasm. Their performance not only demonstrated competence but also showcased their effective cooperation and coordination during the games. Additionally, after the games, they were provided with a brief explanation to scaffold them of how the specific game they participated in is connected to scientific knowledge and its application to real-world scenarios.
The children’s faces were alive with excitement, competence, interaction, fun, and curiosity as the program ended. Despite the fatigue from participating in numerous games, their radiant expressions showed that their enjoyment outweighed any tiredness. It was as if their exhaustion was inconsequential in the face of their sheer delight. This truly embodied the theme of the Science Olympics Activity 2024: “Where Fun Ignites Curiosity and Fosters Learning.” The children’s enthusiastic response and the evident impact of the activity serve as a testament to how such immersive outreach initiatives can foster learning, promote enjoyment, and cultivate interactive and proactive learning experiences that enhance students’ skills and cognitive abilities. As John Locke highlighted in his theory of pragmatism, “students can learn many things through games.”
The activity came to a close with Dr. Samillano’s inspiring remarks, highlighting that the Science Olympics marked the start of numerous opportunities and a partnership between Central Philippine University and Badiang Elementary School and how important it is to have a quality education and access to knowledge which is one of the aims of the university by adhering to the SDG’s number 17, partnership for goals.
The day concluded with an awards ceremony, where students received prizes essential for their academic pursuits, ensuring a memorable and fulfilling experience for all involved, leaving a lasting impact on the participants and setting the stage for future collaborative endeavors in education.
Indeed, it was a day of fun and learning.