Biotech for Kids : 60 Filipino Elementary Students Get a Glimpse of Biotech

Can 11-12 year old students actually learn biotechnology? Why not.

Last Thursday (November 25), The Department of Science and Technology – Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) held the Biotech for Kids activity in a bid to engage and excite elementary students in the world of biotechnology.

biotech for kids
Elementary students learn biotechnology the fun way at the Biotech for Kids activity by the Department of Science and Technology – Science Education Institute held last Thursday (November 25) at the Nido Fortified Science Discovery Center in SM Mall of Asia.


Sixty Grade V and VI students from Isabelo delos Reyes Elementary School, Karangalan
Elementary School, Gen. T. de Leon Elementary School, and Silangan Elementary School,
together with their teachers, were treated to a day of fun and exciting learning experiences
coupled with a storytelling session.

Dr. Ester B. Ogena, Director of DOST-SEI, said Biotech for Kids seeks to transform the concept
of biotechnology into a more popular form and make it more accessible to the masses.

“To really reach out to the masses, we opted to invite underprivileged schools to help their
students learn what is biotechnology and how it affects their lives,” she said.

Ogena noted that Biotech for Kids also seeks to entice the students to venture into courses in
science and technology especially in biotechnology.

“We want our students to see what the future holds for them especially if they join us in the
science community. We want them to experience how fun science is,” she said.

biotech for kids
Elementary students see a modeling of the effects of vaccines on the human body using chemicals during the Biotech for Kids activity by the Department of Science and Technology – Science Education Institute held last Thursday (November 25) at the Nido Fortified Science Discovery Center in SM Mall of Asia.


Ogena stressed that it is important that biotechnology be introduced to students as it is one of the
fastest growing areas of science.

“Wherever we look, may it be in a simple grocery or a hospital, we could see the various
applications of biotechnology in our lives,” she said.

The 2010 Biotech for Kids will feature the stories “Yakkk, Bulutong Tubig” and “Waaah!
Nakagat Ako ng Aso!”, both written by Dr. Luis Gatmaitan.

This is the second year that the DOST-SEI conducts the Biotech for Kids activity in celebration
of the National Biotechnology Week (NBW).

biotech for kids
Elementary students listen to Aliptaptap Storyteller Percy Gapas as he narrates “Yakkk, Bulutong Tubig” by Dr. Luis Gatmaitan during the Biotech for Kids activity by the Department of Science and Technology – Science Education Institute held last Thursday (November 25) at the Nido Fortified Science Discovery Center in SM Mall of Asia.


The Philippines celebrates the NBW every last week of November to highlight the importance of
biotechnology in the lives of everyone and how it helps the people achieve better lives.

2 comments:

  1. DOST did a great job here. It is important for a child to experience and discover those technology as early as possible. They are the rising star...

    ReplyDelete
  2. Yup, I agree.

    In TechPinas logo, the rising star represents the Pinoy youth. :)

    ReplyDelete

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