Philippines’ oldest regional science centrum just got revamped, DOST-SEI NuLab bus joins the fun

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For Bicolanos, their P20 can go a long way - transporting them to five different worlds in science, all packed into one place - the newly relaunched Bicol Science and Technology Centrum (BSTC) at the heart of Naga City.

The BSTC, the first science centrum outside Metro Manila, officially reopened its doors to the public on March 16, and the excitement was amplified with the visit of the NuLab:STEM in Motion bus, a mobile science learning facility by the Department of Science and Technology -Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI).

The first gallery of the museum welcomes visitors with robots, interactive screens and virtual reality activities that teach them physics, electricity, and magnetism.

In the next hall, museum-goers experience the wonders of being an astronaut with activities such as constellation light tracing and knowing their weight on other planets.

A few steps away from the universe gallery is a place that uncovers the secrets of the Earth’s surface. Kids enjoy the coal mining interactive display, miniature volcano, while kids-at-heart can explore the earthquake simulator that is meant to teach disaster preparedness.

From the Earth’s various landforms, a tunnel will lead to a gallery featuring a place teeming with marine life – a replica of a whale shark hung on the ceiling surrounded with displays of various sea creatures.

The last space in the centrum is dedicated to the rich flora and fauna of Bicolandia. Interactive games like the Mt. Mayon and Mt. Isarog lenticular wall tickle the mind of the not-so-young while children enjoy their time in the sand field area and playing with fake insects in the creepy crawlies.

Caption: Gallery 1 - Marvels of Physics: Electricity, Magnetism and Robotics

Gallery 2 – Mysteries of the Universe Explained: Solar System and Space Exploration

Caption: Gallery 3 – What Lies Beneath: Uncovering Earth’s Secret

Gallery 4 – Underwater Wonderland: Beneficial Yet Threatened Aquatic Ecosystems

Gallery 5 - Land Ecosystem Unfold: Discovering Mother Nature

At the end of the science tour, viewers were invited to board the NuLab bus. Scientists-facilitators from the University of the Philippines Los Baños conducted a STEM session on mathematics while researchers from DOST agencies led a short demonstration of NuLab’s instrumentation, data logging systems and other modern science laboratory equipment – that high school students can use to achieve a deeper level of understanding of STEM concepts.

Usual set-up inside the NuLab bus featuring modern science laboratory equipment such as wireless sensors during a STEM session on chemistry.

Dr. Renato U. Solidum, head of the country’s premier science and technology department personally graced the ceremonies. With a revitalized centrum, the DOST top official hopes to inspire a new generation of Bicolanos interested in science and technology.

“Ang pangunahing layunin ng ating Departamento ay mapagtuunan ng pansin ang ating well-being, magandang kalusugan, magandang edukasyon, access to clean water, green energy at syempre makabuo tayong isang malaking grupo ng mga Pilipino magmula sa kabataan at kahit hindi gaanong kabataan na mangunguna sa pagdevelop ng science, technology and innovation sa ating bansa” mentioned Dr. Solidum.

Local government officials also expressed their wishes for the science centrum to help boost science tourism in the region.

Entrance fee in the science museum is worth P20 for students, and P25 for non-students and adults. Meanwhile, teachers, persons with disabilities and senior citizens are free of charge.


NuLab spread love for STEM to Bicolano students

For the first time since it was launched in 2019, the NuLab bus toured the Bicol region to introduce various STEM careers to around 563 junior and senior high school students.

Caption: Camarines Sur National High School students pose for a group photo after attending the three-hour STEM session inside the NuLab bus.

The mobile science laboratory, which is equipped with a range of science equipment and resources, has traveled across three schools in two provinces - Sipocot National High School, Camarines Sur National High School, and Vinzons Pilot High School from March 14 to March 21.

Students were highly engaged with the activities and experiments that were part of the different modules – environmental science topics including water systems and volcanoes, chemistry, astronomy, and appreciation in mathematics. Aside from the fun learning and interaction with the scientists-facilitators, students were also offered an orientation of the scholarships offered by the Institute through the #Push4Science: Maging DOST Scholar Ka! Campaign.

Mr. Warner Carag, a former DOST Scholar and a researcher from DOST-PHIVOLCS discusses his module on environmental science.

(right) Students from Vinzons Pilot High School proudly show their output from their activity on volcanic eruptions.

Each school was given copies of the Finding North: A STEM Career Guidebook, a new publication of the DOST-SEI that is meant to guide high school students on what specific courses in STEM they intend to take in the future. The guidebook allows the students to reflect on their personal strengths, characteristics, and skills which they can use to match with their preferred STEM course. It also includes study placements and available scholarship offerings from DOST-SEI.

STEM students from the Naga City Science High School receive a copy of the STEM Career Guidebook during the orientation of undergraduate scholarships at the Bicol Science and Technology Centrum.

“Thankful po ako dito sa NuLab dahil mas nagkaroon pa po ako ng knowledge about STEM and let’s see po kung ito po talaga yung kukuhanin ko this coming senior high school journey ko,” Aizle Doctor, one of the Grade 10 students from Sipocot National High School who is still undecided of the strand she will be taking in senior high school.

The NuLab bus is designed to address the lack and insufficiency of science laboratory equipment in schools and at the same time, entice secondary level students to take courses in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Dr. Josette T. Biyo, director of DOST-SEI, the agency mandated to develop a critical mass of highly trained Filipino S&T human resource, said that the visit of the mobile laboratory bus was particularly significant for the many schools and communities in the region that may not have easy access to science education resources.

“By bringing the bus directly to these communities, the Institute hopes to extend its reach and inspire a new generation of young scientists and innovators,” Dr. Biyo remarked.

The NuLab: STEM in Motion bus is scheduled to visit more schools in the province of Bohol and other parts of Visayas this year. 

The many potentials of Artificial intelligence or AI

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Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a field of computer science that involves the creation of intelligent machines that can perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as visual perception, speech recognition, decision-making, and language translation. AI is rapidly advancing and has the potential to transform almost every industry, from healthcare to finance, transportation, and more.

AI encompasses a wide range of techniques, including machine learning, natural language processing, computer vision, and robotics. Machine learning is a subset of AI that involves training algorithms to learn patterns in data and make predictions based on that data. Natural language processing involves teaching machines to understand and interpret human language, while computer vision involves teaching machines to recognize and interpret visual information.

One of the primary benefits of AI is its ability to analyze large amounts of data quickly and accurately, leading to more informed decision-making. For example, in healthcare, AI can analyze patient data to help doctors diagnose diseases and create treatment plans. In finance, AI can be used to analyze market trends and make predictions about future investments.

AI is also revolutionizing the way we interact with technology. Virtual assistants, such as Siri and Alexa, use natural language processing to interpret our commands and provide us with relevant information. Self-driving cars use computer vision to navigate roads and make decisions about driving.

However, with the rapid advancements in AI come concerns about its impact on society. One concern is that AI will take over jobs traditionally performed by humans, leading to high levels of unemployment. Another concern is that AI systems may be biased, leading to unfair treatment of certain groups of people.

To address these concerns, it is important to have policies in place to ensure that AI is used ethically and responsibly. This includes ensuring that AI systems are transparent, fair, and unbiased. It also involves investing in education and training programs to help workers adapt to the changing job market.

In conclusion, AI has the potential to revolutionize almost every industry and transform the way we interact with technology. However, it is important to approach its development and implementation with caution, ensuring that it is used ethically and responsibly. With the right policies and investments in education and training, AI can be a powerful tool for improving our lives and advancing society.



How is it possible for AI to think like people

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is designed to mimic human intelligence and the way we think. However, it does not actually "think" in the same way that humans do. Rather, AI uses algorithms and mathematical models to process data and make decisions based on that data. This is known as machine learning, which involves training algorithms on large datasets to recognize patterns and make predictions based on those patterns.

One of the ways that AI is designed to think like people is by using neural networks, which are inspired by the structure of the human brain. Neural networks are made up of interconnected nodes that work together to process information and make decisions. They are trained on large datasets to recognize patterns and make predictions based on those patterns, similar to the way that the human brain learns.

Another way that AI is designed to think like people is through natural language processing (NLP). NLP involves teaching machines to understand and interpret human language, which is a key aspect of human intelligence. This allows AI to interact with humans in a more natural way, such as through virtual assistants like Siri and Alexa.

AI is also designed to learn and adapt over time, much like humans do. This is known as reinforcement learning, where the AI system is rewarded or punished based on its actions, allowing it to learn from its mistakes and improve its performance over time.

Despite these similarities, it is important to note that AI does not actually "think" in the same way that humans do. It is a machine that processes data and makes decisions based on that data, whereas human intelligence involves complex cognitive processes, emotions, and consciousness. While AI is becoming increasingly sophisticated and capable, it still falls short of true human intelligence.

The popularity of Drones

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Drones, also known as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), are aircrafts without a human pilot aboard. These aircrafts are controlled remotely by a pilot on the ground, or they may be pre-programmed to fly a specific route. Drones are rapidly becoming an important technology in many industries, including military, agriculture, photography, film, and more. In this article, we will explore the history of drones, their uses, and their impact on society.


History of Drones

The first drone was created in the early 1900s by the inventor Nikola Tesla, who created a radio-controlled boat. This invention laid the foundation for radio-controlled aircraft, which were first used by the military in the 1930s for target practice. During World War II, both the Allies and the Axis powers used drones for reconnaissance and as a means of delivering bombs.

In the 1950s and 1960s, drones were used extensively by the military for reconnaissance and surveillance purposes. They were also used for testing new weapons and technologies. In the 1970s, drones were used in the Persian Gulf War for surveillance and reconnaissance purposes, and they have been used in every major conflict since then.

In recent years, drones have become increasingly popular for civilian use. They are used in photography and videography, agriculture, search and rescue operations, and more.


Uses of Drones

Drones are used in a variety of industries and applications, including:

Photography and Videography: Drones are used extensively in the film and photography industries to capture aerial footage that would otherwise be impossible to get.


Agriculture: Drones are used to monitor crops and livestock, to gather data on soil conditions, and to map fields.


Search and Rescue: Drones are used by emergency responders to search for missing people, to survey disaster areas, and to deliver supplies to remote locations.


Military: Drones are used by the military for surveillance, reconnaissance, and to deliver weapons.


Delivery: Drones are being developed to deliver packages to customers, reducing the need for delivery trucks and other vehicles.


Infrastructure Inspection: Drones are used to inspect bridges, buildings, and other infrastructure for damage and maintenance needs.


Conservation: Drones are used to monitor wildlife, track migration patterns, and to monitor the health of ecosystems.

Impact of Drones on Society

The use of drones has had a significant impact on society. On the positive side, drones have the potential to make certain tasks safer, more efficient, and more effective. For example, drones can be used to monitor crops, which can help farmers make more informed decisions about irrigation and fertilization. Drones can also be used to inspect bridges and other infrastructure, which can help identify potential problems before they become major issues.

However, there are also concerns about the use of drones. One of the biggest concerns is privacy. Drones can be used to gather information about individuals without their consent, and there is a risk that they could be used for surveillance purposes. Another concern is safety. Drones can collide with other aircraft, or they can crash and cause damage to property or injury to people.

Regulations have been put in place in many countries to address these concerns. For example, in the United States, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulates the use of drones. The FAA requires drone operators to register their drones and to follow certain guidelines, such as flying below 400 feet and avoiding flying over people.

Conclusion

Drones are a rapidly developing technology with a wide range of applications. They have the potential to make certain tasks safer, more efficient, and more effective. However, there are also concerns about privacy and safety. As regulations continue to be developed, it is likely that drones will become increasingly integrated into our daily lives. It is important that we balance the benefits of drones with the potential risks and take steps to address these concerns.

As technology continues to advance, drones are likely to become even more versatile and capable. New sensors, better batteries, and advanced automation software will enable drones to perform more complex tasks, such as autonomous delivery and inspection. As the use of drones becomes more widespread, we may see new industries and business models emerge, creating new opportunities for innovation and growth.

In conclusion, drones are a remarkable technology that have the potential to revolutionize many industries and applications. They have already proven their worth in areas such as agriculture, search and rescue, and infrastructure inspection. While there are concerns about privacy and safety, regulations are being put in place to address these issues. As technology continues to evolve, drones are likely to become even more capable and integrated into our daily lives. It will be exciting to see where this technology takes us in the coming years.