Where to Research for Investigatory Science Projects or Thesis in the Philippines?

If you're in high school or in college in the Philippines, the whole researching for a topic on a scientific investigatory project is not far from your list. Students usually need to accomplish a thesis in order to graduate or complete a grade.

How you plan to research for the possible topics would depend on the scope provided by your teacher or thesis adviser. Some teachers would prefer something with a unique spin on it, they would be thrilled if its interesting enough to qualify in any national or international science tilt. But this would require shelling out some money to have someone test your product for an independent verification that will go into your paper. For example, hiring a chemist to test certain components of your material- whether it is effective or viable for production; Hiring a microbiologist or food technician to analyze your samples and cross check your data whether your findings are correct. These lab tests add credibility to your research, the effort takes it a step further than from just being a mere student project. But you don't really need to do this- only if you want to be the exceptional nerd in class :p

If you want to go beyond the usual and boring investigatory projects that involves making yams, jams, paper or soap out of some fruit or leaves, I would like to suggest doing some legwork and going out of your comfort zone to do research in science facilities and local libraries. You may also try digging further into online science catalogs for abstracts.

The Research Facilities for Investigatory Projects:
DOST STII
STII maintains and continuously upgrades its facilities and equipment that include:
• ScINET Data Center equipped with the appropriate equipment and software applications
• Audio visual center
• Library containing 20,000+ titles of multimedia S&T materials (books, serials, theses, non-prints, investigatory projects, R&D technical reports, etc.)

DOST STII
Gen. Santos Ave.
Upper Bicutan
Taguig City
1631
Philippines
Telephone number: 837-21-91
Libray Services dial local 2133

Take PNR train to the DOST III libray in Bicutan, its the quickest way to get there.

There are online hubs where you can research for abstracts. If you want the whole study/complete paper for your reference then you have to pay for the document with a credit card or paypal purchase.

A List of Investigatory Science Projects can be found at Philippine Journals Online
These are scientific studies that have made their mark locally and internationally. They are worth the read and are thoroughly researched. Some are funded by NGOs, scientific organizations and supported by universities. Just the same, they might spark ideas on how to start your own investigatory project. Please note the techniques they used such as the way they compiled data, compared data from previous known lists and their lab results.

How do I know this is what I want to do?
After doing your research, decide on a material or a species of plant or animal you think is abundant, endemic or accessible enough for you to study. If its growing in your backyard then its a good start.

Then research further into the potential of this plant, animal or method- the common uses for it; the possible uses for it; how to extract fluids, oils or whatever from it. How can the community living around this type of species benefit from it? Without driving the species to extinction, of course.

The structure of an investigatory project in the Philippines:
Abstract
Introduction
About the Project
Findings /Course Work
Conclusion
Acknowledgments
Citations

If you guys have suggestions or other research hubs to further improve this post, do leave a comment.

St. Vincent's Center: A Makati Preschool

This is my opinion only and my personal experience with St. Vincent's preschool, it does not anyway reflect the school's own stand.

My son and friend's children attend this Makati preschool. Overall, I think it is a wonderful preschool with lots of potential for improvement.

There is a low teacher to student ratio per class, the classroom is not overcrowded and the teaching methods are often "one-on-one" sessions with the students followed by group activities such as singing and dancing.

On certain days the teaching method shifts to worksheets (so the child can be prepared for taking exams/entrance exams at the Big Schools).

My son has learned to socialize better and play well with other kids (sharing and taking turns is no longer a big issue with my boy). Personally, I find the teachers to be very caring and sensitive which is more than a parent could ever ask for. The teachers often engage the parent to be involved with the kid's progress at school, they do require you to have a talk with them especially if your kid is having trouble with school lessons or relating to other kids in class. 

Preschool graduates from St. Vincent's Academy are taught to be ready for life in the "big schools". Most end up attending elementary schools such as Don Bosco Academy, St. Scholastica's Academy, Colegio De San Agustin and Hope Christian Academy. The place though small is accessible for parents who would like to easily drop and pick up their kids after work. We live a block away from the school which is a good thing as I do not need to subject my son to traffic and long commutes.

Now if you are looking for a fancy school with a big campus or a preschool with kids that do not talk the national language, then this school may not be for your kid. If you have a strict language preference, you may opt for the international preschools. The kids here are bilingual though there are those who speak English as their first language, still your child will surely be able adopt the Tagalog language within the school year.  

The school is not a progressive-type school (e.g. Montessori, Piagetian, Waldorf, etc). It's just a straightforward regular preschool so expect lots of star stamping, paper pasting, dancing and singing from your kid. 

St. Vincent's Preschool: A Makati Learning Center 

Objectives:

To support the development of children during their early years.
To increase children's intellectual and language competence.
To provide them with the skills of self-expression.
To act as socializing agents, preparing the children for the world of elementary as well as for participation in society at large.

Subjects:
Language
Math
Practical Life
Sensorial Development
Cultural Arts

Levels:

Pre-Nursery - 2 to 3 years old

Nursery - 3 to 4 years old

Junior Casa - 4 to 5 years old

Advance Casa - 5 to 6 years old

Class Schedule:
7:30 am to 10am
10:30 am to 1 pm
1:30 pm to 4pm

Requirements:
Two 1x1 pictures
Photocopy of Birth Certificate

Administrative office:
Open from 9am to 7pm
Saturdays by appointment

Saint Vincent Tutorial Center
Lower Ground Unit 11
Cityland Pasong Tamo Tower, Makati City
Phone number: 894-4498 / 0916 493 8554

We also offer tutorial and summer classes
We have fully-airconditioned classrooms
Security guards at all entrances of the building
There is a 711 convenience store inside the building for any refreshment needs

Tuition range: Php 25,000-30,000 (as of school year 2010)
Note: In the Philippines, the school tuition increases annually.

Landmarks and Accessibility:
Ideal for parents who are working in the Legaspi Village Makati area, Magallanes, Pasong Tamo/Don Chino Roces and Bangkal area 
Located in front of Don Bosco Academy
Near Waltermart Supermarket and Starbucks
2 Blocks away from South Superhighway
2 Blocks away from Makati Cinema Square
1 short jeepney ride from EDSA Magallanes (Alphaland Mall and MRT station)
1 short jeepney ride from EDSA Ayala via Pasay Road (Glorietta, Greenblet and SM Makati)

Where to Rent a Dance Floor with Lights in the Philippines?

Stage for Rent Philippines or Party Rentals in the Philippines

Bring the Disco fever to your parties by renting an illuminated dance floor in Manila. The set-up is a modular stage or portable panels with an elevation of 4 inches. The dance floor is fully programmable and will illuminate to the beat of the music. Perfect for events such as prom night, soirees, parties, reunions and even fashion shows.

Confetti effects also has illuminated bar tops, illuminated tables, illuminated base lamps you can rent. Other party effects include pyrotechnics, balloon tubes, glowing plasma discs and LED and Fiber Optics.

Contact Information 
Address: Confetti Effects, Inc. 
2550 New Panaderos Street, Sta. Ana, Manila 1009, Philippines 
Telephone Nos.: +63 (02) 563-6638
Telefax +63 (02) 563-7207
Mobile: +63 (920) 907-9163
Managing Director: freddie@effects.com.ph
confetti@effects.com.ph