Grand Basic

by Eladio Glicero Anino V and Ann Elizabeth Rollon

BASIC (Beginner's Appreciation of Science Clubbing) is a one-day activity featuring a lecture and an engaging workshop for elementary or high school students to introduce them to PSYSC, to the science clubbing movement, its benefits, and its responsibility in promoting science and technology. It is usually done for PSYSC-unaffiliated clubs but can also be for affiliated ones. BASIC is offered for free for those who are interested to affiliate with PSYSC.

In celebration of its 41st anniversary, the Philippine Society of Youth Science Clubs (PSYSC) held its BASIC at the Sto. Niño Catholic School in Taguig City last March 3 with the help of the Principal, Mrs. Ma. Luz Catig and the Science Club adviser, Mrs. Desiree Dupra. Students and teachers from the participating elementary schools, namely, Miriam College – Elementary Division, Colegio dela Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe, Blessed Exodus Christian Academy and Sto. Niño Catholic School, the host school, were treated to a variety of science-inspired tricks, including making one's own invisible ink and stopping water from flowing out of a bottle using a screen. They were also introduced to the marvels and uses of genetic engineering and molecular chimaeras, through an interactive lecture. To cap off the day's activities, the students used their skills and intelligence to finish and win an interactive workshop of six stations, each with fun activities featuring different science topics.

On November 17, 2012, PSYSC held another Grand BASIC in Saint Paul College, Island Park, Dasmarinas, Cavite with the help of Mrs. Luzvie Rementilla. The schools who participated were St. Pancras Academy, Scuola Sorelle Faioli, Brooke's Point Academy, Jabez Christian School, Metanoiah Academy, Philippine Christian University, and St. Paul College - Balayan.

Another Grand BASIC was held in Colegio dela Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe, Muntinlupa with the help of Sir Joel Pagkalinawan. The participating schools were Bayanan Elementary School, Cupang Elementary School, F. de Mesa Elementary School, Lakeview Elementary School, Putatan Elementary School, Soldier Hills Elementary School, and Colegio dela Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe.

The program started with the doxology and singing of the National Anthem. The students and teachers were introduced to the wonders of Smart Materials through a special science lecture. A variety of science tricks, such as Blowing up a Balloon With Baking Soda and Vinegar, P¬opping Balloon and Blooming Flower, were shown to the kids during Show Science. The students were also able to apply their knowledge and skills during the Interactive workshop with six stations, namely, the Food Web, Tangrams, Constellations, Laser Reflection, Body Puzzle, and Memory Game.  The students also presented their sub-camp cheer during the closing program. The program ended with the awarding of the certificates and winners. You could see the smiles on the faces of the children after being introduced to PSYSC and the wonders of the science clubbing movement.