News

Malayan Science integrates robotics and technology in curriculum

Monday, March 6, 2017

Part of Malayan High School of Science’s (MHSS) competitive curriculum for Junior High School is Robotics and Technology. In partnership with First Eduspec Inc. (FEI), MHSS is offering robotics subjects to students of Grades 7 to 10 with gradations in topics. In Grade 7, students are taught drawing and drafting to let them imagine their prospect robots and let out their creative juices. Grade 8 students are taught AutoCad (Computer-aided design) that lets them draw using a software with several technical options. Basic electronics is taught to Grade 9 students training them in the wiring and mobility of their robots. In Grade 10, students are taught Advance Programming to control the movements and tasks of the robot using a particular software.

MHSS has a robotics laboratory equipped with state-of-the-art computers installed with a robotics programming software, a complete set of learning materials and electronic devices, and some wide demonstration table that the teacher uses during lectures.

“Robotics can be integrated with different subject areas like Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, and students can relate and apply this in their daily living,” told robotics instructor Joan Tranquillo.

According to Principal Jocelyn L. Antiporda, with advanced technology being the current trend, robotics is one of the best examples of technological operations. Such is the learning opportunity that MHSS wants to provide its students in its junior high school curriculum.

“You cannot really say that robotics is all-play. The applications are tremendous. The minds of the students are challenged, their imagination is dared,” said Mrs. Antiporda.

In Bloom’s Taxonomy, the highest level of learning is creation. With the robotics subjects being made available for junior high schoolers, learning is ensured.

“Building a robot model improves their creativity, and programming its action develops their critical thinking,” Diomar Alarde, robotics instructor, said.

The MHSS Admissions Office is also introducing robotics and technology to grade school students by way of seminars and actual workshops to engage their imagination and innovative thinking. MHSS visited three elementary schools last year to promote its robotics subjects.

In the future, “robots can replace humans, when it comes to difficult jobs. The work of man can be lessened, his error minimized. But robots cannot replace humans when it comes to critical thinking, since it was humans who created robots,” Tranquillo noted.

Principal Antiporda further gave examples on the applications of robots in the lives of humans: robots can go in outer space, they can diffuse bombs, they can work for long hours in factories, and in hospitals, and they can act as “nurses.”

Malayan High School of Science and FEI, who signed a five-year agreement, are currently updating the school’s robotics equipment, software, and laboratory. With the offering of Robotics and Technology subjects in the junior high school, students are prepared in the field of engineering, computer programming, and mathematics, giving them an edge in the fast-paced game of science and innovation.