THE FILIPINO BIOLOGY TEACHER

Synopsis: Epigenetics is the science of altering gene function without altering DNA. In this report, scientists found out that mature fibroblasts (connective tissue cells) can be reprogrammed to produce induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC), a stem cell that is different from the normal stem cells (undifferentiated) produced during embryonic development. Through the process of methylation (silencing of the genes), the epigenetic characteristic of an iPSC was determined and compared to the methylation patterns of the cell from which it was extracted. DMR (differentially methylated regions) comparisons showed surprising overlaps between DMRs of stem cells from fibroblast and DMRs of normal cells that turn into cancer cells. As compared to the embryonic stem cells which are now used for treatments and therapies, the methylation patterns of iPSC could be a potential area for development of new approaches in stem cell therapy, using iPSC as a replacement for embryonic stem cells. Scientist...

Although headlines in 1992 were largely devoted to other issues, including the stagnant world economy, the environment was far from forgotten. The year's preeminent environmental event, one which captured attention throughout the world, was, without doubt, the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, better known as the Earth Summit. Between June 3 and June 14 representatives from more than 170 nations converged on Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, for the Earth Summit. Some 35,000 participants discussed a host of environmental issues, including global warming, deforestation, species preservation, and environmentally benign industrial development. The final round of talks was attended by 117 heads of state and government, including U.S. President George Bush. It was reportedly the largest gathering ever of world leaders. But assembling so many world leaders in one place was a small challenge compared with getting them to agree on the measures that needed to be taken to prote...

The largest Antarctic ozone hole recorded as of September 2006 The Montreal Protocol on Substances That Deplete the Ozone Layer (a protocol to the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer) is an international treaty designed to protect the ozone layer by phasing out the production of a number of substances believed to be responsible for ozone depletion. The treaty was opened for signature on September 16, 1987, and entered into force on January 1, 1989, followed by a first meeting in Helsinki, May 1989. Since then, it has undergone seven revisions, in 1990 (London), 1991 (Nairobi), 1992 (Copenhagen), 1993 (Bangkok), 1995 (Vienna), 1997 (Montreal), and 1999 (Beijing). It is believed that if the international agreement is adhered to, the ozone layer is expected to recover by 2050. Due to its widespread adoption and implementation it has been hailed as an example of exceptional international co-operation with Kofi Annan quoted as saying that "perhaps the single most su...

I have always wanted to be trained of the skill that I am wanting. Last year, I was granted a DOST scholarship in UP. I waited so long for this chance to come but it seemed it was not yet my time. Since I was still recuperating from my lung granuloma that time, I was out of focus. After an emotional attachment, so attached, with my wife and kids, brought about by that fear of dying, I was not able to let go of the feeling. Besides, early morning travel from Recto to Diliman pissed me. Add to this is the eerie ambience at the College of Science where I had my first blow of tears. I was inside one of the lecture rooms when lightning and thunder struck the already gloomy morning. I was detached from the younger group of students. I was isolating myself since I knew nobody. It rained hard. A cold wind passed by. It brought a nostalgic moment. I didn't like the feeling. I was thinking I would be out of my mind if I have to experience it everyday. I called my wife. I said, "I don...

After watching last night's episode of MMK18 "Sulo", I was again reminded this morning of a story of what a teacher should do. Sometimes, in our desire to give our family a decent life, we have neglected our promised duty of making a difference in the lives of the students who passed by us. Here is the story: The dinner guests were sitting around the table discussing life. One man, a CEO, decided to explain the problem with education. He argued, 'What's a kid going to learn from someone who decided his best option in life was to become a teacher?' He reminded the other dinner guests what they say about teachers: 'Those who can, do. Those who can't, teach.' To emphasize his point he said to another guest; 'You're a teacher, Bonnie. Be honest. What do you make?' Bonnie, who had a reputation for honesty and frankness replied, 'You want to know what I make? (She paused for a second, then began...) 'Well, I make kids work harder ...

My nephew, Nakki (shown in the picture with his mom), and his classmates in an elementary school in Tayabas were required by their teacher to deliver a 16-sentence speech about any of these topics: pollution and global warming. Here is the piece of Nakki: To my dear teacher; To my friends; To all boys and girls; Good morning! I am now afraid of typhoons. I am now afraid of floods. I am now afraid of landslides. The storms Ondoy and Pepeng taught me this fear. I used to bathe under the rains. I used to make paper boats. I dreamed of a house on a mountain top. But now, I am afraid. The news over the television terrified me all the more. Many have died. Little children like us are suffering. They are hungry. They lost their homes. They have not gone to school anymore. And many are sick and dying. I am afraid because this is not the future I want. This is not the world I love to be. Our President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo said that we are victims of the global event called Climate Change. H...

AFTER reading just the lead of the news below, ideas came to me of how to make my class an agent of disseminating information on proper hygiene among school children in far flung barangays in our area. I was inspired again of the concept that real learning engenders social change. I saw in my mind pictures of my students explaining dental carries, the causes of these and how to avoid these, using techniques that can be of fun among school children. I also envisioned seeing my students explaining the nematodes in simple language and how to eradicate and prevent such. And even diarrhea. These are interesting reports worth sharing so that biology teachers can design activities that will make learning of these concepts worthwhile and experiential. Here is the news story. PROPER HYGIENE LINKED TO SCHOOL PERFORMANCE By Allison Lopez,Philippine Daily Inquirer October 15, 2009 MANILA, Philippines--Tooth decay, intestinal worms and diarrhea are some of the reasons why more and more children per...

My professor back in the undergraduate school asked me if I could speak before her class about teaching methods and approaches. She is not just a professor, but she was a benefactor. She used to hand me bills when I was still a student-boarder. She was also there when I spiraled down to one of the darkest points of my life. As usual, I was again cramming. Schedules were hectic since last week preparing for the documents needed for the accreditation of our four programs in the institute. Well, you worked hard for a master’s degree only to sort papers, cut tags, photocopy documents and ring bind inch-thick mess. It was funny that what kept us awake till midnight, what drained our physical strength and what made us anxious were all clerical works. Accreditation is indeed, anti-faculty and anti-environment. My lecture was scheduled at 1:00 p.m. yesterday (which happened to be my birthday). But at past one, I was still in the computer trying to polish the presentation. I received a call fro...

I have been experimenting with moviemakers and video converters the past few weeks. IBASO camped at Scarlet Resort in Bangar and as I checked the image files in my laptop, I saw a number of shots during last year's leadership camp. After a while, I found myself illustrating this year's theme song with last year's picture through a movie. I have downloaded video converter and you tube downloader (for David Cook's song) which made the video above possible.

On September 3, I was invited by our Science Laboratory High School to speak about science investigatory project preparation. I just came from a Leadership Camp so I did not have much time to prepare plus I was struggling with my voice. I noticed these days that when I am being invited to speak about something and was given only few days to prepare, I did not mind making a script anymore but I was speaking my heart, I was speaking from experience and I felt I was making a connection with my listeners. My technique was to empathize as to where my listeners are coming from. For example, in the SIP talk, I made an outline of how would I do it. My purpose was to make SIP preparation a not so very scientific task; to make them believe that simple and ordinary kids can come up with an extraordinary project. Then I would introduce proposal writing, investigation, research report writing and the exhibit/display board. And after that I will end my talk almost they way I began it. Guys, I receiv...

It has been my plan of coming out with a module in biology to make instruction less textual and learner friendly. But my primary problem revolved around the organization of topics. How can I avoid overlaps? How can I set the boundaries, the depth of the content and the level of approach to learners? I hate to admit this, but most of our high school graduates here in the province have shallow grasp of the basic biological concepts. So I researched about the best way of organizing the topics. Good, my friend, Owen Thaddeus Ayuste of PNU-Taft gave me a copy of Mader's Essential Study Partner. I have been using the CD everytime I get confused with some topics in biology. Then, I discovered that the organization of topics in the CD is easy to follow. It was visual (most of the learning styles of my students are VISUAL). So, I bought different textbooks in biology as references and began simplifying the topics by dividing them into lessons. My purpose is to come up with a module that is ...

MARIA CORAZON "CORY" SUMULONG AQUINO January 25, 1933 - August 1, 2009 FIRST FEMALE PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES AND OF ANY COUNTRY IN ASIA The Saint of the 1986 People Power Revolution From Shakespeare's "Mark Anthony's Oration Over the Dead Body of Caesar" THE EVIL THAT MEN DO LIVES AFTER THEM BUT THE GOOD IS OFT INTERRED IN THEIR BONES.

For two days (Aug. 1 & 2), we were stranded at Caticlan because of the tropical storm "Jolina". It was Saturday when we decided to go home and waived for our previous plan of going to Bacolod. However, Orley's mind changed because one of his kids is sick. Our other comnpanions informed us that there was no trip to Tablas so they proceeded to Boracay. We packed our things instead and bade goodbye to our hosts, Ate Me-ann's cousins, and drove towards Caticlan to join our co-teachers for the Sunday trip. The trip from Iloilo to Caticlan lasted for about five hours. When we arrived, news spread that a motorboat capsized with 25 passengers and 6 crews on board at around 11:30am. That was the last time we had a contact with our four co-teachers who informed us that they were already on the boat heading to Caticlan. I watched Ate Me-an and I felt a sudden chill all over my body. No! No! This could not be! But after a while, we reached them. They were ok. It was not their...

On July 31, we sidetripped to one of the famous universities (ISO certified) in Iloilo City. An AROPAD member watched over the boob tube a show featuring a stove ran by rice hull and we were asked if we could possibly check the product. It was awarded the Grand Prize winner in the Panibagong Paraan National Competition for innovative ideas. CPU CARES (College of Agriculture and Environmental Studies) is the one manufacturing the product. The College has also availed of P1M grant from PEF for the product marketing. Seen above is Dr. Randy Pabulayan, the University Research Director and the three rice hull models which evolved through research and development. Below, is a picture of the team with the Dean of the Graduate Studies, Dr. Fely P. David (the university's research diva). It was Dr. David who comforted me when my Master's Thesis Proposal was turned down, and insulted by my panel. She is one of my inspirations why I like research. I bought her book where she wrote a perso...

Roxas City is the capital of Capiz, one of the four provinces in Panay island. According to its Governor during the opening program of REDTI's National Convention at Filamer Christian College, gone is the notion that Capiz is home to bewitching imaginations. It has finally come out of such stigma captured in "Captivating Capiz" campaign. Claiming to be the Seafood Capital of the Philippines, the city boasts of its well-preserved cultural landmarks particularly those located at the heart of the metropolis: Capitol building, the church and various antique houses. It also has an economically vibrant coastline interspersed with food stalls of local make-up offering wide-range choice of seafoods for cook: inihaw (grilled), sinigang, whatever you wish. I was a part of the RSC team who went there to present my work about rubrics. We were billeted at the Halaran Hotel. One night while we were savoring the Capiz ambience a woman came running and shouting towards our way: "Non...

Here's the abstract of the paper I presented during the 2nd International and 28th National Convention of State and Universities Teacher Education Association (SUCTEA) held at the University of Rizal System in Morong,Rizal on Feb. 18-20, 2009. The paper focused on rubrics assessment as one of the hot topics in the agenda for curricular reform. The investigation was done in a physical science class. Studies revealed that rubrics, which came in various types, appealed to teachers because of the marked improvements observed in the quality of students’ works. But what factors could speak for students’ performance in this kind of assessment technique? Considering the different lessons covered in the course, the procedural aspects in selecting topics and constructing assessment tasks for rubrics assessment were documented to serve as template for those who would try this intervention. Issues around the use of rubrics like validity and reliability were also tackled. Based on a semester lo...

We might not have won the poster competition but it rocked in the recently concluded 2nd International Conference and Scientific Meeting of the Environmental Education Network of the Philippines at Silliman University, Dumaguete City.

The paper from Romblon State College (RSC) entitled “Research Capability Building – A Strategy to Promote Research Culture in SUCs and Countryside Development: The Romblon State College Experience” won the 2009 William C. Medrano Award for Best R&D Management Paper and Poster, respectively, during the 19th Philippine Association of Research Managers, Inc. (PHILARM) National Convention held at the Mergrande Ocean Resort in Talomo, Davao City on April 21-24, 2009. This is the first national recognition received by the College from a prestigious group of research managers. The paper was presented by the College Research Director, Dr. Merian C. Mani who chronicled the metamorphosis of the RDE unit from 2003 to the present. Highlights of the paper were the creative solutions introduced in 2007 to foster the research interests and confidence of the faculty members and to cultivate the research culture in the academe, a model that can be aped by other SUCs with poor R&D performance. ...

A doctor from Odiongan, Romblon reported to abs-cbnNEWS.com yesterday that a dolphin got stranded in the area on Tuesday, June 30, 2009. Doctor Kurt Tan sent photographs of the sea mammal as fishermen tried to help bring it to deeper waters. Tan said the incident happened at around 8:30 pm in Barangay Panique. They learned of the incident at around 5 pm and got to the site a few minutes later. Fishermen tried to bring the dolphin to deeper waters that day but it got re-stranded three more times. To prevent the dolphin from getting drowned, the fishermen in the area came up with a make-shift support for the dolphin while trying to bring it to deeper waters. “We tried to rescue the dolphin but the animal was too tired and looked like it was dying when we got to the site,” Tan said in his email to abs-cbnNEWS.com. He told abs-cbnNEWS.com that they even asked for assistance from a specialist in marine mammals from the University of the Philippines. But all the efforts were to no avail. The...

In the past several decades, our climate has been changing. Climate change is not new: the Earth went through six ice ages in the past 600,000 years. However, recent measurements show that the climate has begun to change rapidly. The size of the North polar ice cap in the month of September is only half the size it was fifty years ago. The sea level has been rising since direct measurements began in 1870, but the rate since 1990 is five times faster than it was at the beginning of recorded measurements. Here is the remarkable scientific discovery: For the first time in human history, science has told us that human activity is dramatically altering the destiny of our planet. Our carbon emissions since the beginning of the industrial revolution have caused the climate to change, and science is now projecting how our actions will affect the Earth fifty and a hundred years from now. If the world continues on a business-as-usual path, a number of studies predict that there is a fifty-fifty ...

I hate to admit it but it's true. Sometimes, when we are used to facing students who would eat up all what we give, we ran out of reasons when few good students dared to ask questions, particularly when these are very basic information that we have already overlooked or forgotten. Let me share with you some basic questions thrown by students which confused me... my bobooss hehehe Why is bamboo a grass? My Answer: Bamboo is not a tree, it is a grass because... well, what is the difference between a bamboo and a tree? (A student said bamboo does not bear flowers). Me:I don't think so. There are many grasses that bear flowers. Scientists say: The bamboos are a group of woody perennial evergreen (except for certain temperate species) plants in the true grass family Poaceae, subfamily Bambusoideae, tribe Bambuseae. Grass is the common word that generally describes monocotyledonous green plants. The family Poaceae (or Gramineae) are the "true grasses" and include most pla...