DOST-SEI celebrates 3rd Project STAR International Conference

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The researchers and educators shined their brightest as they illuminate the pathway towards advancing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education and improving teacher professional development through the 3rd Project Science Teacher Academy for the Regions (STAR) International Conference.

The Project STAR International Conference brings together researchers, public school teachers, educational trainers from various regions of the country, and international educators to foster comprehensive discussions on the current landscape and future trajectory of local and international STEM education.

Spearheaded by the Department of Science and Technology-Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI), the annual project consists of series of plenary presentations and parallel workshops, and features research papers and STAR stories of STEM innovations.

This year’s 3rd Project STAR International Conference, for example, features compelling stories of STEM innovations from “Engaging Generation Z Learners in the New Normal Through Thinktok,” “Development of an Improvised Portable Atomic Spectroscope for Teaching Element Fingerprinting,” and “Ethnobiology-based Instruction in Enhancing Cross-Cultural Competence in Biology” to plenary talks from international STEM leaders from Hong Kong, Singapore, London, and the USA.

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DOST-SEI Director Dr. Josette T. Biyo, in her opening remarks, welcomes foreign and local guests, and promises educators the Institute’s renewed and unwavering commitment to supporting science and mathematics education.

A plenitude of the brightest STARS, impactful researches, and endless opportunities

With the theme, “Project STAR @ 10: Celebrating Gains of the Past, Exploring Opportunities of the Future,” DOST-SEI Director Josette T. Biyo highlighted the project’s endeavor and fervent dedication in advancing science and mathematics education in the country with her talk titled, “Project STAR: Journey Across Time.”

She took the audience on a spirited tour of Project STAR’s breakthrough, reminiscing about its journey from its modest beginnings to modern excellence. Her presentation showcased the projects’ activities and accomplishments - including the various training and innovative teaching strategies it conducted, activities like Search for the Brightest STARS which aims to discover and recognize talented teachers from the training, and the collaborations established through its benchmarking activities in countries like Hongkong, Japan, Singapore, and Taiwan - all of which, over the years, serve as the fundamental cornerstone to improve capacity and content knowledge to educators.

As she concluded her talk, she acknowledged and expressed her sincerest gratitude to the many people behind Project STAR’s success - such as the Department of Education, its regional partner institutions, and the teachers it has trained and produced.

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Dr. Sheryl Lyn Monterola, Director of the University of the Philippines National Institute for Science and Mathematics Education Development (UP NISMED) discussed a new way of looking at STEM as an entrepreneurial tool for national development, in her talk titled “21st Century Teaching: Adapting to a Fast-Changing World.”

The second plenary session was presented by the Director of the University of the Philippines National Institute for Science and Mathematics Education Development (UP NISMED), Dr. Sheryl Lyn C. Monterola. Her talk titled, “21st Century Teaching: Adapting to a Fast-Changing World” alluded to the event’s theme of exploring opportunities of the future, as she delivered a comprehensive discussion on a new way of looking at STEM as a proxy for the skills and tools that equip learners the right mindset to contribute to national development.

According to Dr. Monterola, there are three key points on how to leverage the use of STEM in teaching: (1) recognizing numeracy as an essential skill in the workplace, (2) responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in STEM education, and (3) importance of STEM teachers’ growth mindset. Besides these, she also mentioned modern teaching/learning aids such as Copilot, Perplexity, and summarize.tech which could help educators in lesson planning and context building.

To complete the roster of plenary sessions for day one, Prof. Cecilia K.Y. Chan, Founding Director of the Teaching and Learning Innovation Centre, and a Professor of the Faculty of Education at the University of Hong Kong, facilitated the discussion on “Transitioning Perspectives: Shifting from ‘Assessment of’ to ‘Assessment for’” via Zoom. In her talk, Prof. Chan discussed the dynamic nature of assessment in revolutionizing teaching methods to remain agile and responsive to future shifts in the educational landscape.

She also shared her extensive ideas on the different aspects of assessment and the concept of holistic competence, emphasizing that to achieve a balance of the two, teachers must focus on and make use of the wide range of assessments and integrate different strategies for assessing student learning.

Before day one ended, thirty parallel paper presentations on Action Researches, Assessment and Innovations, Instructional Materials, Teaching and Learning Innovations, and Wellness and Action Researches were presented allowing teachers all over the country to showcase their work in STEM education. Furthermore, it opened avenues to gain valuable insights, learn about the latest advancements in STEM education, and interact with their fellow educators.

Days two and three of the conference were jam-packed with thought-provoking plenary sessions facilitated by Dr. Tang Wee Teo, Associate Professor at the National Institute of Education of Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, on “Impacting STEM Education in Asia: Experiences from meriSTEM;” Prof. Rosemary Luckin, Faculty at the University College London, and Founder of Educate Ventures Research Ltd. in London, on “Artificial Intelligence, Adaptive (Machine Learning), and the Future of Education;” Mr. Bryan Goodwin, Chief Executive Officer at McREL International, on “Brain Science and Cognition;” and Dr. Jayeel S. Cornelio, Professor of Development Studies Program at the Ateneo de Manila University, and Vice Chair of the Social Sciences Division at the National Research Council of the Philippines, on “The State of Filipino Youth: Harnessing Opportunities for Education.”

DOST Secretary Dr. Renato U. Solidum, Jr. also graced the event and extended his congratulations to the STAR member schools, partners in education, and participants. He reiterated and encouraged Project STAR’s mission to capacitate STEM teachers all over the country through activities that catalyze professional development such as training, recognition, awards, and mentorship.

“This is an opportunity to celebrate our achievements in science education - to live the spirit of inquiry, creativity, problem-solving, and life-long learning; and to bring STEM out of the classroom and into the community, and help people appreciate the significance of STEM in their everyday lives.”

This year’s Project STAR International Conference was held on August 23-25, 2023, at the New World Makati Hotel, Makati City.

Project STAR is a cluster of capacity building activities aimed to improve the quality of teaching of STEM teachers all over the country - implementing innovative STEM trainings and activities that catalyze professional development for teachers such as awards, recognition, mentorship, and research conducts.

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Parallel Sessions on Action Researches, Assessment and Innovations, Instructional Materials, Teaching and Learning Innovations, and Wellness and Action Researches were held to give STAR educators a diversified offering of knowledge and experiences in the different aspects of teaching and learning.

Battling a silent health crisis in the Philippines

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How can you protect our children?

A staggering 83% of Filipino children aged 5-12 years old are affected by cavities.

Over the years, a silent health crisis continues to affect the lives of millions of Filipino children, going undetected by parents and teachers due to a lack of awareness and information. Dental cavities, unseen yet harmful, have led to “missing smiles” and have also greatly affected the well-being of these children, leading to absenteeism and hindering them from performing their daily activities.

The recent National Survey on Oral Health of the Department of Health showed that poor oral health has negatively affected children’s social interactions and academic performances. A staggering 83% of children aged 5-12 years old are struggling because of this.

 

Cavities can cause a physical and psychosocial impact on the lives of children in the Philippines.

Dental issues caused by cavities lead to sleep interruptions, physical inconveniences such as dry mouth and difficulty eating, and a psychosocial impact among children. The Department of Health emphasized the role of parents, teachers, and communities in preventing and addressing this massive health issue.

Recognizing the impact of the dental health crisis on children and their families, Colgate, the Philippines’ partner and ally in superior oral health, is working closely with the Department of Education and Local Government Units to address the silent health crisis. The company is optimistic that while millions of children globally are impacted by the silent health crisis, there are various ways to prevent it and reduce the number of those affected. Believing that “Everyone Deserves a Future They Can Smile About”, Colgate continues to work for a brighter, smiling Philippines through the Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures® program, and with best-in-class oral health solutions.

Colgate’s Bright Smiles, Bright Futures® (BSBF) program has touched the lives of more than a billion children in over 80 countries around the world. In the Philippines, BSBF has reached 40 million school children in the past 25 years. Since 1997, the program has reached 37,000 public schools and 700 daycare centers across 319 cities and municipalities.

With the help of the government, BSBF pledges to improve the oral health of Filipinos and work towards eliminating cavities. By instilling them with effective habits, such as brushing their teeth at least 2 times a day with a fluoride toothpaste like Colgate Maximum Cavity Protection, proper and regular application of fluoride, and regular dental check-ups, Colgate aspires a future wherein majority of the Filipino children are cavity-free by the age of 10.

“As a global brand with deeply rooted partnerships and connections with Filipino families, we are maximizing our platform and resources to shift the country’s focus on the ongoing health crisis while encouraging a collective movement to address the problem of cavities, especially among children. Through our BSBF program and Colgate Maximum Cavity Protection, we are given the opportunity to reach the entire Philippines and give each child a chance for a brighter future to smile about. Colgate is more than just an oral health brand—we are the country’s partner in working towards our goal of achieving a cavity-free Philippines,” says Anish Agarwal, Senior Marketing Director, Colgate Palmolive Philippines Inc.

Throughout the nation, BSBF has orchestrated toothbrushing drills led by dental professionals for school children. During these sessions, the children receive Colgate toothpaste and toothbrushes while learning the correct brushing techniques.

Additionally, BSBF conducts interactive and enjoyable educational sessions on oral health, utilizing creative storytelling tools and demonstrations like puppet shows that leave a lasting impression on the children. Complementing these are activities such as fluoride application and other fun educational activities that engage the children, their teachers, and families.

To better understand this silent health crisis and how to prevent it, watch Colgate's Missing Smiles video through this link, a short but moving story capturing how cavities can deeply affect children’s lives if they do not get the immediate help they need.



About Colgate

Colgate Philippines has been dedicated to ensuring Filipino families have a bright future they can smile about for more than nine decades. As the undisputed leader in oral care, Colgate’s commitment goes beyond just products. Driven by an unwavering dedication to sustainability, corporate social responsibility, and innovation, Colgate continually strives to elevate the lives of their consumers, leading them towards a future they can smile about.

Find out which Off-Road Bike is the right one for you

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From beginner to advanced, there’s a CRF model that will suit your needs.

Honda motorcycles are undoubtedly experts in Motocross racing having been part of the Off-Road circuit sport for more than 50 years. In fact, Team Honda recently won the 2023 AMA Supercross championship, making the company’s iconic bikes one of the best in the world.

To commemorate this, Honda Philippines, Inc. (HPI), the No.1 motorcycle manufacturer in the country, is offering competition bikes. These are The All-New CRF150R, The All-New CRF250R, and The All-New CRF450R designed for Motocross riders.

On the other hand, The All-New CRF125F, and The New CRF250RX are meant for trail riders.

What’s more, these motorcycles are designed and engineered to offer outstanding performance to Filipino Off-Road enthusiasts of every skill level. This means whether you’re a novice or an expert rider, there’s a CRF motorcycle that’s ideal for you. But what exactly sets each model apart from each other?

Motocross Bikes that keep you ahead of the pack


CRF150R


For first time motocross riders, the company introduces the All-New CRF150R. The All-New CRF150R is equipped with a 150cc Liquid-Cooled, 4-Valve, 4-Stroke, Unicam Single engine capable of delivering outstanding yet controlled power, making the bike perfect for first-time Motocross riders. Likewise, the bike’s 19-inch Front and 16-inch rear Off-Road wheels and tires, and 37mm Upside Down front suspension by Showa works in harmony with its 220mm Front, and 190mm Rear Disc Brakes to give riders maximum control. And when you pair all these elements with its 336mm ground clearance and 866mm seat height you have the perfect Motocross bike for Filipinos who are just getting into the sport.


CRF250R


For more experienced riders or those who want to get into legitimate Motocross competition, The All-New CRF250R is what you need. This bike, with its 249cc Liquid-Cooled, 4-Stroke, Single DOHC engine, is designed to take on more challenging Motocross circuits. It’s also equipped with exclusive HRC launch control to help assist riders from a standing start to achieve the right hole shot. This allows the rider to open the throttle fully and release the clutch while engine management keeps the RPM at an ideal range for optimum acceleration.

Moreover, The All-New CRF250R also features an Engine Mode Select button that lets you choose what ride mode suits you best, giving you a competitive edge come race day. Meanwhile, its 49mm Upside Down Showa Front Forks and Showa Pro-Link Rear Suspension enables the bike to soak up any bumps and dips with ease.

This bike also utilizes a strong yet lightweight chassis in combination with 260mm Front and 240mm Rear Hydraulic Wave Disc brakes. These engineered elements deliver maximum control even when tackling demanding Motocross circuits.

CRF450R


Now if you’re an even more experienced rider who wants to take their Motocross racing abilities to the next level, The All-New CRF450R is just for you. This bike is engineered with Honda’s Motocross heritage in mind, and is powered by a 450cc Liquid-Cooled, 4-Stroke, Single Cylinder, SOHC engine. This engine is designed to work harmoniously with the bike’s new Showa 49mm Inverted Telescopic front, and Showa Adjustable Pro-Link rear suspension. When combined with its 2-piston caliper front and 1-piston caliper rear disc brakes, and HRC Launch Control, you get a Motocross bike that will truly let you dominate the competition.

These bikes are the same as the competition versions of the CRF250R and the CRF450R. What’s more, the latter won the 2023 AMA Pro Motocross 450 Championship and the inaugural 2023 SuperMotocross 450 Championship, with Jett Lawrence as its rider, while the former won the 2023 AMA Pro Motocross National Championship with Hunter Lawrence in the driver’s seat. This means whether you choose The All-New CRF250 or The All-New CRF450R, you’re sure to get that legendary Honda Racing pedigree.

Trail Bikes for total Off-Road adventures

HPI also acknowledges that there are a growing number of Filipino riders who are more into trail riding. For these individuals, HPI offers The All-New CRF125F and The New CRF250RX.


CRF125F


The All-New CRF125F is the bike you need if you’re looking to jump-start your passion for trail riding. This bike features all the design elements you expect from a legitimate Off-Road enduro bike including a longer, more comfortable seat, prominent mud guards, and 19-inch Front and 16-inch Rear Off-Road ready wheels and tires. However, the unit comes with a 785mm Seat Height and 260mm Ground Clearance making it ideal for beginners particularly younger riders. The bike also gets a 125cc Air-Cooled, Single Cylinder, 4-Stroke, SOHC, 2-Valve engine and 31mm Telescopic Front, and Pro-Link Rear Suspension.

These features give you exceptional performance and riding comfort to take on any Off-Road trail with confidence.


CRF250RX


For more experienced trail riding enthusiasts, HPI offers The New CRF250RX. This bike is packed with the same awesome features as its motocross-specific sibling,

 
The All-New CRF250R. These include HRC Launch Control, the 249cc Liquid-Cooled, 4-Stroke, Single Cylinder, DOHC engine, 49mm Upside Down Showa Front Forks and Showa Pro-Link Rear Suspension, and the front and rear Hydraulic Wave Disc brakes. These factors ensure you get the same outstanding performance and handling control with the enduro-style bike as on its Motocross variant.

The New CRF250RX gets an 8-liter fuel tank. This gives The New CRF250RX the ability to go for longer distances in between refueling - a must for enduro riding. It is also equipped with 21-inch Front and 18-inch Rear off-road tires for maximum grip when riding through your favorite Off-Road trail.

The CRF series comes at various price points. For motocross bikes, The All-New CRF150R can be yours for PhP306,000.00 while The All-New CRF250R is priced at PhP459,000.00 and The All-New CRF450R can be yours for PhP500,000.00. For the trail bikes, The All-New CRF125F retails for PhP189,000.00 while The New CRF250RX is priced at Php469,000.00.

With the CRF competition bikes, experiencing an Off-Road adventure with the right motorcycle is now a reality. The CRF series promises to have a bike that’s suited to what each rider needs.

For more information, visit www.hondaph.com. Stay updated on Honda’s newest products and promos by following Honda Philippines, Inc. on Facebook and Instagram (@hondaph_mc), Youtube (@hondaphilippines_motorcycl8048) and Tiktok (tiktok.com/@hondaphilippines) or contact (02)-8581-6700 to 6799, and 0917-884-6632.