Science Clubbing: Must be Unstoppable Despite the Pandemic

“Riptide: Science Clubbing Steadfast Against Raging Currents.” This is the theme that

has been adopted by the Philippine Society of Youth Science Clubs, Inc. (PSYSC) for the

celebration of National Science Club Month this year. Although the pandemic brought many

challenges to conduct activities which highlight both the resilience of science clubbing in the

country and the importance of raising dialogues that aim to protect the Earth’s hydrosphere.

The total amount of water on a planet is referred to as the hydrosphere. The hydrosphere

is made up of water on the planet's surface, underground, and in the atmosphere. The

hydrosphere of a planet can be liquid, vapor, or ice. On the surface of the Earth, liquid water

exists in the form of oceans, lakes, and rivers. The hydrosphere is significant because water

supports a variety of living forms. It also regulates the atmosphere and plays an important role in

ecosystems. The hydrosphere encompasses all water on the planet's surface. When water

evaporates, it cools the environment; when it condenses, it releases energy and heats the

environment. Water sculpts landforms through erosion and mineral movement, hydrates life on

the planet, and aids in energy transfer from terrestrial to aquatic systems. Based on these, the role

of the hydrosphere is essential for both biotic and non-biotic elements of the earth.

The earth;s hydrosphere is facing problems and challenges that might affect our planet

and country. Typhoon-caused flooding in the Philippines, a fire in the Gulf of Mexico,

challenges to marine biodiversity, and ongoing conflicts concerning the West Philippine Sea are
just a few examples. The occurrence of the mentioned issues and others proves that engaging the

youth in discussions about the issues are important and relevant.

Human activities have had a variety of effects on the oceans. Oil spills are the leading

cause of water pollution. An oil spill is a type of pollution that occurs when a liquid petroleum

hydrocarbon is released into the environment, particularly in coastal environments, as a result of

human activities. The word is most commonly associated with oil spills in the ocean or coastal

seas, however spills can also happen on land. According to some studies, Humans have a major

impact on every aspect of life. Pollution of the atmosphere is caused by negative effects such as

burning fossil fuels. The geosphere is impacted by our rubbish piling up in landfills. The

hydrosphere is harmed when waste is dumped into the oceans. Overpopulation is lowering the

amount of fresh water available on Earth, and by 2025, over half of the world's population will

be vulnerable to water, putting them at risk of death from dehydration. The possible alterations in

the hydrologic cycle caused by global warming caused by anthropogenic greenhouse gas

emissions do not appear to be significant. However, the ramifications for ecosystems and human

populations could be catastrophic, especially because the latter is so sensitive to and dependent

on such changes.

We can engage youth in discussions regarding the above mentioned issues through scene

clubbing. Students will learn how to think scientifically and build a scientific and reasonable

attitude through science clubs. Long-term, academically oriented partnerships between youth

club members and practicing scientists are prioritized.The importance of practical science

activities in the learning process cannot be overstated. They engage students by assisting them in
the development of important abilities, as well as an awareness of the scientific process and a

wide understanding of scientific topics.

Youth can take huge steps to address these issues. Through science clubs, the application

of scientific concepts can be promoted and applied for the sake of our environment. These can be

done by using various activities such as forums, competitions and outdoor activities.

Unfortunately, this time of pandemic is a huge challenge that may hinder taking actions towards

attaining the goal. Our improved communications technology has maintained the connections

between club members to established organizations and create activities that will follow the

health and safety protocols. These actions must be continued and amplified so that youth can still

take steps towards its goal. Since the aim of the theme itself is to protect the earth’s hydrosphere,

science clubs and organizations may discuss and promote the disposal of chemicals properly,

taking used motor oil to a recycling center, limiting the amount of fertilizer used on plants,

taking short showers, shutting water off while brushing teeth, running full loads of dishes and

laundry, checking for leaky faucets and have them fixed, and getting involved in water education.

We can also make activities that will require us to apply the mentioned suggestions in taking care

of our earth’s hydrosphere.

Driving the vehicle toward the main goal of the science club will take us to overcome the

raging currents in the past but, we need to be riptide to achieve our main goal and the function of

the science club.