Empowering Science Education: Ateneo Lab-in-a-Box team holds Teachers’ Training at Loyola College of Culion

Located on the island of Culion, Palawan, Loyola College of Culion serves as an educational institution dedicated to developing leaders who serve marginalized communities and promote environmental stewardship. Recently, the school welcomed an initiative aimed at enhancing science education through innovative teaching tools.

On December 5-6, 2024, a team from Ateneo de Manila University, led by Dr Erwin Enriquez, faculty member of the School of Science and Engineering (SoSE), and supported by the Ateneo Intellectual Property Office (AIPO), conducted a two-day Lab-in-a-Box training for the school’s dedicated teachers. The team was warmly received by Fr Neo Saicon, President of Loyola College of Culion; Fr Patrick Echevarria, school’s Treasurer; Ms Pamela Batuigas, Science Lab-in-charge and Sir Noel Lagrada, science coordinator at the school.

Photo: Lab-in-a-Box Teacher’s Training Photo Opportunity

The training introduced the teachers to the Lab-in-a-Box Kit—a compact, hands-on tool designed to bring science concepts to life. Each kit contains essential laboratory equipment, tools, and consumables, enabling educators to create engaging and interactive lessons. The goal of the session was clear: to empower teachers with the skills and resources needed to make science both accessible and comprehensible for their students.

Dr Erwin Enriquez demonstrated how to properly conduct the experiments included in the Lab-in-a-Box manual, ensuring the teachers were thoroughly familiar with the step-by-step procedures. These experiments, carefully designed to be hands-on and engaging, provide students with an opportunity to grasp complex science concepts through practical application. By walking the teachers through each activity, Dr Enriquez equipped them with the confidence and knowledge needed to maximize the kit’s potential in the classroom.

Photo: Dr Erwin Enriquez guiding the teachers on conducting Lab-in-a-Box experiments

As a proof to the team’s commitment to supporting science education, the Lab-in-a-Box Kits were donated to Loyola College of Culion. With these kits in hand, the teachers are now equipped to promote curiosity for science, encouraging students to explore, experiment, and dream.

The training concluded on a positive note, with the teachers expressing their gratitude. Their enthusiasm demonstrated the importance of such initiatives, especially in underserved communities where access to hands-on science education remains limited.

Photo: Photo opportunity with LCC teachers with the donated Lab-in-a-Box Kits     

This visit to Loyola College of Culion is part of a broader mission. The Ateneo advocates for the betterment of science education and aims to reach as many schools as possible, sparking curiosity and nurturing dreams among young learners. By empowering teachers and equipping schools with innovative tools, they aspire to inspire the next generation of scientists, innovators, and community leaders.

__________________________________________________________________________________

To know more about the ADMU SOSE’s Lab-in-a-Box and the Ateneo Intellectual Property Office, you may visit: aipo.ateneo.edu/lab-in-a-box or follow AIPO on social media for the latest updates and announcements via www.fb.com/AteneoIPO or www.linkedin.com/company/AteneoIPO.