Robotics-centric School Showcases Student Inventions through STEM Expo

Story and Photos by Marz Aglipay 

Tanza, Cavite – Just as there are schools for the arts outside Manila, there are institutions dedicated to robotics and technology. Tanza Child Development Centre (TCDC) marks its 35th year with a unique distinction: full integration of robotics into its curriculum at all levels. For over 20 years, the school has developed its robotics program from scratch under the leadership of its school administrator and robotics professor, Romeo Solis. 

The school year 2023-2024 concluded with The TCDC STEM Expo 2024, highlighting various robotic inventions by students. "The key here is that they are not coached. They must study everything by themselves, including the device. The intention here is not just the project; they're given the [robotic] kit and then they figure it out themselves," explains Professor Solis. 

School Principal Jocelyn Solis recalls their humble beginnings, "When we started the school 35 years ago, people asked why we invested in computers. My husband, Professor Solis, saw the future in computers, electronics, and robotics, and now we are in that future." Regarding expenses, she adds, "In our school, we don't require students to purchase electronic parts." The school has been supported by friends and relatives of the Solis family, who generously donate and purchase and ship electronic teaching materials from abroad. 

On this occasion, friends and supporters of the school, including the representatives from DepEd, Philippine-American Academy of Science and Engineering (PAASE), an NGO, attended. PAASE recognized the school as the first of its kind in the Philippines with a successful robotics program. Among the guests was Alexander Sy Sun Eng, president of Alexan Commercial, who has been working closely with Solis to address the school’s initial challenges in sourcing parts and acquiring robotic kits. Over the years, Sy remained a staunch supporter of TCDC's robotics programs. Reflecting on the decreasing costs of robotic parts and Internet of Things (IoT) devices, Solis remarks, "Our problem now is that we have more robots than we have students." 

Solis also highlights student involvement in the school’s prototyping process to design their own robotic kits, a step towards sustainability for their robotics program. “The kits use aluminum profiles manufactured in the Philippines, making it easier for students to prototype their own kits,” Solis explains. 

Distinguished guests at the TCDC STEM Expo. (L-R): Gian Christian Maneja of Chiang Kai Shek College; Alexander Sy, CEO of Alexan Corporation; Rene Dos Remedios of Woofy Incorporated; Gisela P. Concepcion, Professor Emeritus, Academician of the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST); Prof. Romeo Solis of TCDC, and Maribelle Uy Operations Manager of Alexan

During the one-day STEM Expo, students from preschool to senior high levels participated. Notably, guests witnessed a strong sense of confidence from both students and teachers in handling robotics. It appears handling robotics came naturally to them, akin to playing. The event commenced with performances by preschool students in robot-themed costumes. Grade 1 and 2 students demonstrated their grasp of basic robotic programming. Meanwhile, 4th and 5th graders rose to time-limited challenges, programming robots to execute on-the-spot instructions while other students were impressed with their own educational games reminiscent of arcade cabinets that are controlled by touch sensors. Grade 7 students tackled the task of creating maze-navigating robots. Grade 8 was presented with the unique task of designing prototypes for agricultural robots, and Grades 9 and 10 students, on the other hand, were tasked with innovating useful household items, such as cleaning aids, and enhancing electric fans with features like Bluetooth controls, sonic and voice-modes of activation, as well as humidity sensing.

According to Retchie Velasco-Josef, one of the computer teachers, coding is taught as part of elementary students' subjects, with robotics as a culminating project. She explains that robotics projects provide tangible ways for students to apply what they've learned, which is well aligned to the school’s vision to create future-ready students. TCDC’s STEM Expo demonstrates the feasibility of cultivating a generation inclined towards science and technology. Their approach emphasizes hands-on and practical applications of lessons, fostering a deeper understanding of science's practicality for the future.

To see clips of TCDC's STEM Expo, watch them on their Facebook page https://facebook.com/tanzachildd 

 

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This article was published in Manila Bulletin.

Note: quotes have been edited for clarity and brevity.