By: Sarah Lee Fedelin- Delgado and Aizah C. Agub

August 17, 2024- In a landmark event focused on advancing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education in the Philippines, participants from various regions gathered at the UP NISMED Auditorium to explore innovative approaches to teaching and learning. The event, held in collaboration with VEX Robotics, brought together educators, and industry professionals from Regions II, III, IV-A, IV-B, and the National Capital Region (NCR), all united in their commitment to enhancing STEM education across the country.

The program began with an inspiring welcome address by Prof. Sheryl C. Monterola, Ph.D., the esteemed Director of the National Institute for Science and Mathematics Education Development (NISMED). Prof. Monterola emphasized the critical role of STEM in shaping the future, highlighting the need for educators to continuously innovate and adapt to the rapidly changing educational landscape.

A highlight of the event was the introduction of the guest speaker, Jason McKenna, Vice President of VEX Robotics. A renowned author and teacher, McKenna has been a pivotal figure in promoting robotics as a powerful tool for teaching STEM concepts. His work has inspired countless educators worldwide to integrate robotics into their curriculum, making learning more engaging and hands-on.

In his keynote address, McKenna shared insights on the importance of robotics in education, emphasizing how it fosters creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving skills among students. “Robotics isn’t just about building machines; it’s about building the future. Through robotics, students learn to collaborate, think critically, and approach challenges with an innovative mindset,” McKenna stated.

Participants also engaged in hands-on activities at the UP NISMED Auditorium, such as creating and coding robots using the VEX 123 system. These interactive sessions allowed educators alike to experience the power of STEM learning firsthand, exploring the fundamentals of robotics and programming in a practical, engaging way. The collaboration with VEX Robotics provided a unique opportunity to showcase cutting-edge tools and technologies that can be used in classroom learning.

The event was also attended by key representatives from Pasay City National Science High School, including Mr. Mark Anthony F. Familaran, school principal; Ms. Sarah Lee C. Fedelin, a physics and research teacher; and Ms. Aizah C. Agub, an electronics and robotics teacher. Their presence underscored the growing interest and commitment to integrating advanced STEM methodologies in schools across the nation. The lecturers and the participants received their certificates of appearance and participation, organized by UP NISMED.

The power of STEM has indeed been unleashed, and with the dedication of educators like Prof. Monterola and industry leaders like Jason McKenna, along with the active participation of schools like Pasay City National Science High School, the future of education looks brighter than ever.