New Lifers Explore STEAM at ISM’s STEAM Convention

Selected MGC New Life Christian Academy (MGCNLCA) students from Grades 10 to 12 discovered the wonders and importance of the STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) field at the 2023 2nd International School Manila (ISM) STEAM Convention: Full Steam Ahead held last December 9.

The attendees participated in workshops about engineering, digital technology, data analysis, renewable energy, and artificial intelligence organized by the ISM STEM Club. The fair also featured STEM-related projects prepared by many students from various schools.

Robotics varsity members Timothy Lance Tan and Sharliz Danielle Siy from Grade 12 STEM, along with Grade 10 student Matthew Ryan Chong from Patmos C, exhibited their project entitled Santa's SWIFT (Smart Warehouse Integrated Freight Transporter) at the fair. Their project aims to fix logistical problems in package delivery by using robot-like machinery with a mechanical claw, ramps, a conveyor belt, and a robotic vehicle to deliver packages.

“Looking at the other projects made me see how many more possibilities are available in innovating using STEAM subjects,” said Tan.

Judges awarded the exhibitors who demonstrated excellence through outstanding projects, well-crafted designs, innovation, and the meaningful use of STEAM to impact a community.

Lanz Gabriel Jabla, the project manager for the Yamog Renewable Energy Group, opened the convention by sharing his involvement in creating the Lubas Power Plant in Mindanao, highlighting its impact in providing light and increasing productivity among residents.

Morning workshops were conducted by Witoon Tawisook, the project head for the Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge, and Raymond Rufino, the CEO of NEO–the Philippines’ leading sustainable development company. They discussed the applications of engineering and sustainable development.

For the afternoon sessions, Marc Lepage, digital technology innovation specialist at the Asian Development Bank, and Jan Dagahoy, the project leader of Ateneo KISLAP – a project using technology to identify biochemical and pathogens at early stages – provided insights into digital technologies and data analysis, respectively.

“The workshops at the ISM Fair provided in-depth information on different topics in various fields such as generative AI, data analysis, bridge architecture, etc. One of the workshops, which went over analyzing data graphs, was particularly helpful in spotting problems in certain areas using specific ups and downs in their respective graphs,” said Chong.