Scivivor Camp 2010
December 23, 2010
December 10, 2010 – this marked the day when the MES Science Society undertook another venture: the Scivivor Camp. This camp is an innovation to the traditionally held Astro Camp. Akin to the real Survivor Philippines, this, too, tested the campers’ physical strength, capabilities, and as well as their erudition on the different areas of Science.
The Scivivor Camp encompassed various activities. Such are the Scavenger Hunt and the Scisoc Covenant. The Scavenger Hunt, regarded by the campers as the most thrilling, covered the applications of Science concepts. It is much like an off-classroom activity. On the other hand, the Scisoc Covenant became the solemn part of the camp. With a lighted candle on one hand, the entire organization gathered around a bonfire and shared their views and experiences to the club.
The fun and exhilaration didn’t cease as the night approached and each one took a rest. In the morning, they still had to accomplish their last undertaking: to search for all the scattered characters constructing the word “MESCISOC.” Though worn-out and still sleepy, the campers actively participated to finish their final mission.
Discipline and eagerness to win are two persona every camper should acquire to surpass all the challenges. They have had to cook their own food, wake up early, and jog while carrying all their heavy stuffs. In addition, keeping their area as clean as possible in contribution to saving the environment could give merit points so every group really made sure to maintain cleanliness.
The Scivivor Camp ended up with the awarding of the winners. Every group received a prize. Nobody left with nothing. Once again, the MES Science Society succeeded in bequeathing on a legacy.
Line Volts Lithium Battery Electric Maze Making and Lecture on Energy Distribution and Crisis
September 4, 2010On the 28th day of August 2010, the MESciSoc assembled together at the Science laboratory to hear a lecture from Engr. Kennith Q. Parcon. The talk was focused on energy: energy distribution and energy crisis. We were inducted with the different types of power plants namely, solar energy, wind energy, geothermal energy, nuclear power plant, hydro electric power plant, and coil power plant. As we know, power plants release smoke, so it is not questionable for us to wonder whether these could contribute to global warming. And according to Engr. Parcon, yes it could, but only a little, because if it would be proven to be detrimental, the use of power plants all over the world will be disrupted.
The speaker also told us about the major factors that influence energy crisis. The first one is temperature/weather. Most power plants run dependently on the environment so a sudden change in temperature/weather could affect them a lot. The other factors are our social and economic status. Unknowingly, we, consumers are the major contributors to energy crisis.
And the most thrilling part of the activity is when each of us was given a chance to learn and discover how an electric maze is made. With the help of our guest speaker’s knowledge, every group has successfully built their own electric maze. We are planning to display our works on our exhibit next year for everyone to witness.
Having fun scientifically
August 14, 2010Last July 21-23, the MESciSoc contributed to the enjoyment and fun brought by the Intramurals. We decided to put up a booth wherein anyone who would enter, could view science in a different way. Its main objective is to provide the students an experience of having fun while learning and applying scientific concepts without much notice.
The MESciSoc’s booth went up like a mini Olympics. Various applications of the Laws of Newton, equilibrium, combustion, and many others were set up. It was participated by almost every Ecclesiaen including some interested faculty members. There, they were asked to solve a certain problem (e.g. to produce a sound out of a straw). Those who were able to accomplish the tasks were awarded personalized stuffs during the flag ceremony the following week.
The booth lasted for two days but still it was not enough. There are still a lot of things to uncover, a lot to investigate, and a lot to witness in the stunning world of science.
Outstanding Investigatory Project
April 20, 2010Below are the abstracts of some of the outstanding IP’s from the First Year and Fourth Year students of Mater Ecclesiae School.
A Study of Buntot-Tigre (Sansevieria Zeylanica) as a Textile Product.
The trend now is going green; everyone in the society begins to become a nature lover. It is obvious that our economical crises are getting worse plus we experience more natural calamities that occur due to our irresponsibilities. In order to improve our economy; we need to utilize our local resources. Here in the Philippines, a lot of natural fiber based plants, such as abaca, piña, banana, maguey, Buntot-tigre can be used for textile manufacturing. Through this we can save dollar in purchasing imported fibers. Our idea of making alternative product for fibers is one way to utilize our local resources. Piña cloth is a good material in making barong; its raw material comes from the leaves of pineapple plant. The leaves of sansevieria zeylanica have a similarity with the pineapple leaves. Thus it is possible that sansevieria zeylanica can be another textile material in making barong. It is not only environmental friendly but it can also help a little in our economical income. It needed less manpower and less money to produce. It also promotes our agriculture and helps the textile industry to develop more. (Marin, Vina S., et.al)
Crocheted Plastic Bags: A new way of reducing, reusing, recycling plastic bags
This study can help reduce pollution and flooding. Everyone gave their own opinion and it all came down to one thing- plastic bags -the biggest contributor to clogging of our drainage systems which eventually causes these floods. Because it is available everywhere at a very cheap price, its use has become uncontrollable and unfortunately, they were disposed by irresponsible people inconsiderately. Because of the alarming amount of these pollutants, our group decided to concentrate on finding solution on how to convert plastic bags into more useful product.
Ordinary 8’x11’ plastic bags were cut on both sides, folded and joined together in knots. This becomes the main material of the crocheted plastic bags.
As a result, our group produced a more durable, reusable and presentable bag made out of ordinary plastic bags, at the same time, reducing the irresponsible use and disposal of plastic bags. (Guzman, Laurice et.al.)
Solar Hotdog Cooker
This investigatory project is to identify whether we could use solar energy as an alternative to electricity and gas in cooking foods such as hotdog.
The solar hotdog cooker works through concentrating the sun’s rays to one single line by reflecting the rays through a parabolic curve. A hotdog is the ideal test subject for this experiment because the focus is a line. When the sun’s rays meet at the focus, enough heat is generated which is capable of cooking a hotdog.
The solar hotdog cooker is just one practical, small application. Using the power of the sun to cook food is an ideal choice for many who would like to conserve electricity and fuel. In many rural areas of the world, solar cookers have been introduced to replace cooking on wood fires, gas and electric stoves. (Apuntar, Lance; Masilang, Rey et al.)
Science Fair 2010
February 19, 2010 - Mater Ecclesiae School caters the first ever Science Fair spearheaded by the High School Science Department. It features the Exhibit of students’ Investigatory Project and lectures from PAGASA (Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration).
Daisy F. Ortega (center on the left picture) receives a certificate of appreciation after giving the lecture entitled: “El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO):Event and Weather Update/Forecast”. Ms. Ortega is presently a Senior Weather Specialist at Climatology and Agrometeorology Division of PAGASA and actively involve in the analysis and study on El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) Phenomenon. On the left picture is the High School Vice-Principal, Ms. Cyd V. Villareal (right) and the Science Coordinator, Ms. Vivian S. De Ramos (left).
Ms. Edna L. Juanillo (right) gives a lecture on ” Climate Change/Global Warming : Its Impacts and some Mitigation Adaptation Measures”. She is currently an Assistant Weather Services Chief at Climatology and Agrometeorology Division of PAGASA. She is involve in different researches and became a resource speaker on various IEC activities on Climatology, Climate Change and Variability, Ozone Climatology and Greehouse Gas Inventory on Emissions and Sinks.
