Asian Development Foundation College

Tacloban City

MODULE 3 - Midterm
LESSON 4: SCIENCE EDUCATION IN THE PHILIPPINES
LESSON OBJECTIVES

At the end of this lesson, the students should be able to:

a. Discuss the concept of science education; and
b. Identify science schools established to promote science education in the
Philippines

INTRODUCTION

The Philippines is trying its best to improve the state of science education in the country.
This lesson will discuss the concept of science education and will identify some strategies to
promote science education in the country. One of the strategies is to establish science schools
that will encourage students to pursue their career in science and technology and to nurture
their gifted potentials in science.

The Concept of Science Education

Science education focuses on teaching, learning, and understanding science. Teaching

science involves developing ways on how to effectively teach science. This means exploring
pedagogical theories and models in helping teachers teach scientific concepts and processes
effectively. Learning science, on the other hand, includes both pedagogy and the most
interesting aspect, which is helping students understand and love science. Understanding
science implies developing and applying science-process skills and using science literacy in
understanding the world and activities in everyday life.

Getting deeper into the discourse of science education, John Dewey (2001) stressed the
importance of utilizing the natural environment to teach students. Accordingly, nature must
indeed furnish its physical stimuli to provide wealth of meaning through social activities and
thinking. It is not surprising therefore that science education is important. In fact, Marx (1994)
opines that science is going to be one of the most important school subjects in the future.
 Science education is justified by the vast amount of scientific knowledge developed in this
area that prepares citizens in a scientifically and technologically driven world. Science education
provides skills and knowledge that are necessary for a person to live in what Knight (1986)
describes as the age of science and to develop a citizenry that will meet the goals of science in
the society (Tilghman, 2005). Developing a science culture is therefore an immense
responsibility for schools.

Science Education in Basic and Tertiary Education

In basic education, science education helps students learn important concepts and facts
that are related to everyday life (Carale & Campo, 2003; Meador, 2005; Worth & Grollman,
2003) including important skills such as process skills, critical thinking skills, and life skills that
are needed in coping up with daily life activities (Chaille & Britain, 2002). Science education also
develops positive attitude such as: the low for knowledge, passion for innovative things, curiosity
to study about nature and creativity (Lind. 1997). Science education will develop a strong
foundation for studying science and for considering science-related careers in the future. This
is an investment for the country to develop a scientifically cultured and literate citizenry.

In tertiary education, science education deals with developing student’s understanding and
appreciation of science ideas and scientific works. this is done through offering basic science
courses in the General Education curriculum. Science education in the tertiary level also focuses
on the preparation of science teachers, scientists, engineers, and other professionals in various
science-related fields such as engineering, agriculture, medicine, and health sciences. The
state provides scholarships encourage more students to pursue science courses.

SCIENCE SCHOOLS IN THE PHILIPPINES

One outstanding program for science education supported by the government is the
establishment of science schools in various parts of the country. There are also several
government programs implemented by the Department of Education and few private schools
for science education.
 Philippine Science High School System (PSHSS)

This is a government program for gifted students in the Philippines. It is a service institute
of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) whose mandate is to offer free
scholarship basis for secondary course with special emphasis on subjects pertaining to the
sciences, with the end-view of preparing its students for a science career (Republic Act No.
3661). The school maintains a dormitory for all its students.

Since its inception, the PSHSS continues to pursue its vision to develop Filipino science
scholars with scientific minds and passion for excellence. PSHSS students have proven to be
a beacon of excellence, courage, and hope for the country. They have brought honor to the
Philippines through their exemplary achievements in various international competitions and
research circles. When the students graduate from the school, they are expected to pursue
degrees in science and technology at various colleges and universities locally or abroad.

Special Science Elementary Schools (SSES) Project

The Special Science Elementary Schools (SSES) Project is in pursuance to DepEd Order
No. 73 s. 2008, and DepEd Order No. 51 s. 2010. This project started in June 2007 with 57
identified elementary schools that participated or were identified as science elementary schools
in the country. Since its inception, the number have grown to more than 60 schools nationwide.

The SSES Project aims to develop Filipino children equipped with scientific and
technological knowledge, skills, and values. Its mission is to:

 provide a learning environment to science-inclined children through a special

curriculum that recognizes the multiple intelligences of the learners;  promote the

development of lifelong learning skills, and  foster the holistic development of the

learners.

The subject Science and Health is taught in Grade 1 with a longer time compared to other
subjects: 70 minutes for Grades I to III and 80 minutes for Grades IV to VI. The curriculum also
utilizes different instructional approaches that address the learning styles and needs of the
learners like the use of investigatory projects.

Quezon City Regional Science High School

The school was established on September 17, 1967. Originally, it was named Quezon City
Science High School. It was turned into a regional science high school for the National Capital
Region in 1999. The school was a product of a dream to establish a special science school for
talented students in science and mathematics. The focus of the curriculum is on science and
technology. The school still teaches the basic education courses prescribed by the Department
of Education (DepEd) for secondary education. However, there are additional subjects in
sciences and technology that students should take. The school envisions to serve as a venue
in providing maximum opportunities for science-gifted students to develop spirit of inquiry and
creativity. The school is well-supported by the local government unit and by the Parents and
Teachers Association (PTA). This school is under the Department of Education.

Manila Science High School

The school was established on October 1, 1963 as the Manila Science High School
(MSHS). It is the first science high school in the Philippines. The organization and curriculum of
the school puts more emphasis on science and mathematics. MSHS aims to produce scientists
with souls. In order to do this, humanities courses and other electives are included in their
curriculum. Students are also encouraged to participate in various extracurricular activities. The
school administers an entrance exam, the Manila Science High School Admission Test (MSAT),
for students who wish to enroll. The MSAT has five parts: aptitude in science, aptitude test in
mathematics, problem-solving test in science, problem-solving test in mathematics, and
proficiency in English. The school prides itself from producing outstanding alumni and for
winning various national competitions.
 Central Visayan Institute Foundation

It is the home and pioneer of the prominent school-based innovation known as the Dynamic
Learning Program (DLP). The DLP is a synthesis of classical and modem pedagogical theories
adapted to foster the highest level of learning, creativity, and productivity.

The school takes pride in its Research Center for Theoretical Physics (RCTP) established
in 1992, which organizes small international workshops to foster the informal but intense
exchange of ideas and perspectives on outstanding problems in physics and mathematics.

SUMMARY

Science education deals with the teaching and learning of science and in helping the public
develop science literacy. This is important in the promotion and development of science and
technology in the country. Science education deals with the development of people in science,
which is the heart of science, technology, and society.

This lesson focused on discussing the concept of science education and introduced
science education in the Philippines from basic education to tertiary education. To promote
science education, science schools were established to develop gifted students in science and
mathematics, such I the Philippine Science High School System (PSHSS), Manila Science High
School, Quezon City Regional Science High School, and the Special Science Elementary
Schools Project. Science programs and projects were organized and developed to nurture
innovation in science in the country, and to encourage individuals to pursue careers and
research in science and technology.
 [ NOTE: THE ACTIVITY FOR THIS MODULE IS IN A GOOGLE FORM. THE QUESTIONS
FOUND IN THE ACTIVITY 4 FORM ARE SAME WITH THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS
BELOW. ANSWER THE QUESTIONS AND ONCE YOU OPEN THE ACTIVITY FORM JUST
TRANSFER YOUR ANSWERS THERE.]

ACTIVITY 4
MODULE 3 LESSON 4: Science Education in The Philippines

THINK ABOUT THESE QUESTIONS:

1. What other government projects and programs are available for science education in the
Philippines? 10 points
Answer:

2. Are there private schools with outstanding science education programs? Identify and
compare their science education programs with public science schools. 10 points
Answer:

3. Discuss science-related issues and problems in the country. 10 points

Answer:

4. Identify science and technology policies that could be adapted or implemented in the
Philippines. 10 points
Answer: