Emerging scientific minds in the Visayas

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BY JULIO P. YAP JR.
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Sunday, November 5, 2017
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THE FIRST World Space Week celebration which was held outside Luzon proved to be a worthwhile undertaking after the Department of Science and Technology – Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) discovered emerging scientific minds in the Visayas.

Young Cebuanos were able tocompete on different activities such as the National Water Rocket Competition, the 2017-2018 Asian Try Zero G Program, and the On-the-Spot Poster Making Contest, which were all conducted recently at the Cebu Parklane International Hotel and Labangon Elementary School.

In the annual Water Rocket Competition, Naga National High School’s trio of Ian Kenneth Buca, Nico Anthony Tejano, and Kishi Dy topped 14 other teams by tallying an impressive 4.1 meters from the target.

The win slots them as the Philippine representative to the Water Rocket Event at the 24th Asia-Pacific Regional Space Agency Forum (APRSAF-24) to be held in Bengaluru, India, this coming November.

Placing second and third were Badian National High School’s John Rey P. Amestoso, Yvonne F. Besin, and Clint John V. Tarongoy with 8.3 meters, and Talisay City Science High School’s Hannah Len Rafols, Nick Tyrone Mangaoang, and Christian Al Pilapil with 12.5 meters, respectively.

The water rocket competition aims to teach students the physics behind launching rockets in space through a fun yet competitive platform.

Students are to launch their water rockets made of recycled 1.5-liter soda bottles towards a target that was placed 80 meters away.

The contestants need to consider water and air pressures in aiming for the target. The rocket that will land nearest to the mark is hailed the winner.

Another highlight of the celebration was the announcement of selected experiment ideas to the 2017-2018 Asian Try Zero G program, an educational activity organized by the Kibo-ABC of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). At least eight experiments out of 169 submissions from all over Asia were selected to be performed in zero gravity condition by JAXA astronauts on-board the International Space Station.

At least two of the selected proposals were from Filipino students from Philippine Science High Schools’ (PSHS) Central Luzon and Central Visayas Campuses.

PSHS CLC’s Red James Catli Manalili, Jovelle Villanueva Adizas, and Justin Gabriel Parel presented an exceptional idea in their “Gyroscope and Tippe Top” experiment.

Completing the celebration was the annual On-the-spot Poster Making Contest where young scientist–artists showcased their talents in depicting the theme “United through Space.”

Yesha Alexandra Gocotano of Minglanilla Special Science Elementary School placed first with her creative space exploration artwork.

Her winning entry will be sent to APRSAF-24 to compete against other entries in the region.

DOST-SEI Director Dr. Josette Biyo emphasized the importance of bringing the celebration to different parts of the country noting that Cebu was a perfect venue to boost the Institute’s efforts to reach more students as the city is home to a large number of schools and major universities offering science and technology courses.

The event attempts to impart the value of space science, with hopes of encouraging young minds to pursue studies in the field. (jaypeeyap@ymail.com/PN)
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