The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) held the Space Science Camp for Students from November 19 to 22, 2024, aimed at promoting space science and technology education among learners and educators.
During this four-day camp at St. Isidore the FARMer and Resort in Sta. Ana, Pampanga, fifty-seven high school students and nineteen STEM educators from various school divisions in Region III participated in engaging activities designed to enhance their understanding of space science and technology applications (SSTA).
With support from the Department of Education (DepEd), the PhilSA Space Science Camp encouraged students to pursue relevant courses that align with careers in STEM.
This initiative aims to cultivate a future generation of space scientists, engineers, and communicators who will advance the country’s space programs and contribute to nation-building.
Participants explored various topics, including the applications of space technology, missions and payloads of Philippine satellites, space systems engineering, fundamentals of space law and diplomacy, basics of rocketry, KIBO ABC programs, and opportunities within the space sector.
Hands-on workshops and educational activities related to SSTA were also conducted. These utilized common-use applications and instruments while incorporating principles of space science and technology.
Activities included a scavenger hunt using GPS and the Strava application, construction of planetary landers, and fabrication of water bottle rockets.
These activities were designed for applicability and integration into classroom settings to facilitate effective knowledge sharing.
A stargazing activity was conducted in collaboration with Rizal Technological University (RTU).
Participants also visited the Ground Station of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)-Advanced Science and Technology Institute (ASTI) as well as the Planetarium of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) in Quezon City.
An educational tour showcased the country’s space facilities, including the Full Anechoic Chamber (FAC) and laboratories at the University Laboratory for Small Satellites and Space Engineering Systems Building (ULyS³ES) at the University of the Philippines Diliman.
The various topics covered during the camp provided a foundation for students to generate insights for research proposals focused on SSTA. Meanwhile, educators prepared work plans to integrate space science activities into their instructional practices, aiming to enhance learning standards in space science across the country.
A total of 19 schools participated in this year’s Space Science Camp.
As part of its Space Education and Awareness Program (SEAP), PhilSA aims to expand the space science camp to other regions in the coming years.
In September 2023, PhilSA held a Space Science Camp for Educators, which capacitated select teachers from pilot schools. These schools also received SSTA kits earlier in the year.
