Lesson 3: SCIENCE EDUCATION IN THE

PHILIPPINES
 The Concept of Science Education
 Science Education in Basic in Tertiary Education
 Science Schools in the Philippines

Learning outcomes:
 discuss the concept of science education, and
 identify science schools established to promote science education in the
Philippines.
.

No. of Hours to complete : 3 Hours

31
 ENABLING ACTIVITY
TITLE : QUESTION AND ANSWER
TIME : 10 minutes
MATERIALS : Worksheet and pen

Direction: Answer the following questions with your own understanding. Write your answer in
the space provided.

1. What Science Education?

2. What is the concept of Science Education in the Philippines?

__________________________________________________________________

3. What importance of Science Education in the Philippines?

__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________

32
Topic Discussion:

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

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 natural 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 love 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 tor
the country to develop a scientifically cultured and literate citizenry.

33
 In tertiary education, science education deals with developing students understanding and
appreciation of science ides 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 agriculture, medicine, and health
sciences. The state provides scholarships to 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
since its inception, the number have grown to more than 60 schools nationwide and this is now its
sixth year of implementation.

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

34
 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 earners
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). The 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 modern 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

35
 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 as 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.

MAIN TASK
TITLE : Brainstorming Activity
TIME : 15 minutes
MATERIALS : Worksheet and pen
36
 Direction: Answer the following questions with your own understanding. Write your answer in
the space provided.

4. What other government projects and programs are available for science education in the
Philippines?

______________

5. Are there private schools with outstanding Science Education Programs? Identify and
compare their science education programs with public science schools.

______________

37
 REINFORCEMENT

Research Work

1. Discuss science-related issues and problems in the country.

REFERENCES:
Janice Patria Javier Serafica, et als. First Edition, 2018, Science, Technology, and Society,
Published by Rex BookStore.

38